
I'UKSENTICI) liY 



• / 

ITHACA AS IT WAS, 



f f i' 



ITHACA AS IT IS 



THOUGHTS SUGGESTIVE OF THE FUTURE. 



BY H^C?''gOODWIN. 



ITHACA, N. Y.: 

ANDRUS, GAUNTLETT, «{ COMPANY: PRINTERS, 

No. 69 Owego-Street. 

1853. 

c/' . 






OC: 11 1908 



ITHACA AS IT WAS, AND IS 



WITH 



THOUGHTS SUGGESTIVE OF THE FUTURE. 



Tompkins Counts was named in honor of Governor- 
Tompkins. It was organized in 1817, having successively 
belonged to Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca counties. 

Its area is about five hundred and eighty square miles, 
and contains three hundred and seventj'-one thousand four 
hundred acres of land. Estimated at $30 per acre, and it 
comes to tiie round sum of ^11,14*2,000. The land is com- 
posed of a rich alluvial and sandy loam soil, producing eve- 
ry variety of agricultural product common to the middle 
and western States. Premiums have been awarded for 
corn yielding one hundred and twelve bushels and tiiirty- 
eight quarts per acre ; and wheat, fifty-six bushels and 
twenty-eight pounds.* About three-fourths of the county 
is improved, and the average amount of grain grown yearly 
is hard to be surpassed by any county in the State — acre 
per acre. Indeed, the man of business and agricultural 
taste, passing through Tompkins county, will be most sen- 
sibly struck, with not only the prosperous appearance of 
the cultivator of the land, but also with the beautiful coun- 
try, the variety of soil, and the promising crops. There 
are within the county, six prosperous villages, possessing 
wealth and intellectual worth of no ordinary importance. 

* Joseph Goodwifl. See Itbaca Chronicle, 1821. 



4 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

Jn 1789, three men,* of that hardy stamp and indomita- 
ble perseverance which so strikingly characterized the ear- 
ly adventurers ofthis then western wilderness, made a loca- 
tion on the rich flats, where now stands the flourishing vil- 
lage of Ithaca. What a change has taken place in sixty- 
four years ! Then it took nineteen days for these adven- 
turous spirits to transport their families from Owego to 
their new home — a distance of twenty-nine miles. Now 
the iron horse traverses it in one and a half hours. 

The first frame house was erected in Ithaca in ISOO, by 
Abram Markle. A carpenter by the name of Delano did 
the work. Luther Gere was then his apprentice. It is 
not a little surprising how Mr. Gere rose to affluence and 
honor, and after having become one of the wealthiest men 
in the county, by a reverse of fortune, was numbered with 
that poverty-stricken class, who are denominated as hav- 
ing no influence, little honor, and less credit. 

Mr. David Quigg, who came here in 1804, opened the 
first regular store.! He entered into a kind of bartering 
business, from which he realized a reasonable profit on his 
goods. York rum cost twenty-six cents per gallon, and 
sold for ,^1^1,25. Muscovado sugar cost nine cents, and 
commanded eighteen and three-fourth cents per pound. 
At this time large quantities of maple sugar were made by 
the back settlers, so much so, that one hogshead of mus- 
covado supplied the retail trade for one year. At the same 
time loaf sugar was worth thirty-one cents. Salt com- 
manded ^4 per barrel. JMr. Quigg supplied the whole 
range of settlers between here and Tioga Point. Nails 
found a ready market at twenty-five cents per pound, and 
leather was not dull at thirty-eight. His wheat he for- 
warded to Owego by land carriage, then down the Sus- 
quehanna on arks to Baltimore, realizing fifty-six cents on 

* Peter Hinepaw, Jacob Yaple, Isaac Demond. 

f Messrs. Lightfoot and Markle had previously cxclianged some goods for 
furs, but were not established merchaDts. 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. 5 

the bushel. In 1807 he shipped some two thousand bush- 
els, and in 1S08, 9 and 10, an average of four thousand. 
His cattle were driven to the Philadelphia market, where 
he received a profit of ^5 per head. Good cows were then 
worth 81G a head. Oxen 850, and three year old steers 
about $18. Horse? were worth from $75 to $80. 

There were no oats, buckwheat, or corn grown for sale. 
Butter at this time had not been introduced into the mar- 
ket, and consequently Mr. Quigg was not, as now, a spec- 
ulator in that valuable product. 

The first heavy goods brought by water, came up the 
North River to Albany ; were then conveyed by land to 
Schenectady ; then through the canal at Little Falls, and 
then through Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, Onondaga Riv- 
er, Three River Point, Seneca River, Cayuga Lake, and 
the snaggy Inlet. 

The expense of conveying these goods through this de- 
vious and singularly winding course, was $2 per hundred* 
Or if conveyed hither from New York with teams, by way 
of Catskill, the charges were just doub'e, or $4 per hundred 
pounds. 

A Post Office was established in 1804, and Richard W. 
Pelton appointed to its charge. In 1805 Mr. Quigg erec- 
ted an ashery, and opened a trade with Montreal. 

In 1806 Ithaca numbered some twelve houses, six being 
" frame buildings." Kii'i .'hdw 

In 1809 the village had increased to thirty-eight dwell- 
ings, besides several mechanic shops, stores, a public houvse,* 
and a respectable school house. Wealth began to cluster 
around the home of the hardy pioneer. An increasing 
population developed new enterprises. Active minds will 
not lie dormant at times when the noblest energies of man 
•are required to act. New villages are springing up in 
every direction, and the wilderness gives way before the 

* Tlie Hotel 



.6 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

strong arm of a resolute, determined people. Trumnns- 
burg, Jacksonville, Burdett, Mecklenburg, Ludlowville 
and McLean, have suddenly rose to view, and the joyous 
shout of gladness is echoed from every hill, and re-echoed 
from every valley, while the eye brightens, and the cheek 
glows with the blush of honest hope, and health, and peace. 
On rolls the tide of progress. With the name of Yaple, 
Dumond, and Hinepaw, are blended those of McDowel, 
Davenport, Bloom, Starr, King, De Witl, Patchin, Conrad, 
Quigg, Markle, Sager, Brink, Treman, Beers, Judson, 
Cheesebrough, Collins, Van Orman, Banfield, Miller, 
Green, Goodwin, Smiih, Rector, Van Etten, and Shoema- 
ker. The combined strength of these adventurous minds 
soon made the welkin ring, as they subdued the forest, and 
with the torch, the smoke, and the flame, proclaimed to 
distant settlements the march of improvement — the pro- 
gress of enterprise. The productive earth becomes obedi- 
ent to the laborer's will, and the rich products of a virgin 
soil are their reward. The matron who had left the home 
of cherished friends, to become the co-partner with him she 
loved and cherished, greets the noble pioneer with one of 
those bewitching smiles, so natural to a true-hearted, de- 
votional woman. The lay she sings is sweet as erst were 
tuned from lute or lyre. And seated round the blazing fire, 
the achievements of the day are recounted with honest 
pride. That little log domicil is now their paradisiacal 
abode, where sweetest joys impart,a bliss as pure as virtue''s 
self There are hopes and pleasures more divinely pure 
than reigns in court or kingly palace. Wealth could not 
buy them ; crowns could not betray or pervert them, for 
they are fresh from the heart, warmed by fond affection. 
There is no glare of false pride. No canting, hypocritical 
smile. The pioneers lived in sweet communion. A hun- 
dred converging rays bespoke the comforts of the rustic 
cot. 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. 7 

We love to emulate the virtues of those who have made 
great achievements in science, in arts, in literature, in the 
developments of great truths, the extension of freedom, or 
in stimulating to deeds of nobleness — to greatness — to the 
good of those by whom they are surrounded. We glory 
in their determined valor and firmness of purpose, and we 
take pride in pointing to them as examples worthy of copy 
ing after. We delight to honor those hardy sons of toil 
who have levelled whole sections of the forest, and made 
the soil subservient to their will. Wc feel grateful for the 
achievements of our fathers, for we enjoy the fruits of their 
labor. They were men of action — their lives were " stern 
realities." What though they were of necessity compelled 
to make a repast on boiled wheat, crack their grain in a 
mortar, or journey an hundred miles to a grist mill, or make 
a tour of a hundred and sixty miles to obtain three pecks 
of potato eyes for seed, all were accomplished without in- 
voking curses on the fates that were wont to be dictators. 
What though they saw themselves surrounded by hordes 
of wild savages, in a dense wilderness, with a scanty rai- 
ment, and without any of the luxuries of life ; using paper 
windows, wooden trenchers, pine slab tables, and other 
et cetceras of a like character, still harmony reigned in the 
new empire of independent pioneers. These were great 
times — times of energy and action. The pilgrim fathers 
left their native shore, and braved the waves of the stormy 
ocean, to rear for them a domicil in the new world of pro- 
mise, where the shafts of religious persecution could not 
molest them. They came, 

" When crown and crosier ruled a coward world," 

and they found a rich and fertile soil, though the wilderness 
swarmed with prowling beasts of prey. Opposition to 
them was no barrier, for they were resoulte men, and they 
gained the boon they sought. Such were the men who 
successfully strove against hardships and suffering in the 



& ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

early settlement of Ithaca. They possessed no negative 
characters. They were men of activity and determination. 
Some of them had fought in the Revolutionary struggle, 
and others, when appealed to by their country in after time, 
shouldered the musket and battled for freedom's holy cause 
in the last struggle with Great Britain. 

Ithaca is the county seat. The area of the town is about 
thirty-three square miles, and contains 21,120 acres ofland. 
Until 1821 it was a part of Ulysses, when it was set off, 
and the village duly incorporated. The first town meeting 
for the election of officers for the new town of Ithaca, was 
held at the court-house on the third day of April, 1821. 
Nathan Herrick and William T. Southworth were oppo- 
sing candidates for chief magistrate, or Supervisor i the 
former was successful by a majority of 125 votes. 

Ithaca was honored with its " appropriate" name iu 
180G. [t was named after ancient Ithaca, a beautiful city 
located on an island of the same name, couched in the 
sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea, and made memorable in 
the poetic lays of the Grecian bard — the immortal Homer. 

In 1805 the first -religious society was formed. This was 
of the Presbyterian order. The society numbered just 
seven members. 

A public library was constituted in 1808, some ^300 hav- 
ing been expended in the purchase of books. 

In 1808 the Ithaca and Owego turnpike was laid out and 
partially improved. In 1811 the Ithaca and Geneva road 
was constructed. The greater part of which was covered^ 
with heavy forest trees, and the laborious work was per- ^ 
formed by the hardy pioneers, who had not only resolved 
to improve their new farms, but also the highway. We 
remember perfectly well hearing our father, who now lies 
entombed in the pleasant little cemetery near Jacksonville 
— around which are associated many mournful and sad re- 
collections — tell of the great labor performed, and the hard- 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. ^ 

ships endured, during the forty days he spent with his team 
in assisting in converting the Indian's trail into a passable 
road. 

One night after having turned out his team to take their 
evening repast, he took an Indian foot-path bearing in the 
direction of his home. Hearing the sound of the well- 
known cow bell, he turned a little out of his course, and 
suddenly beheld, standing in the path before him, a full- 
grown deer. Levelling his unerring rifle, he brought him 
to the ground. In a moment, however, he was on his feet 
again, bounding immediately towards him. On, on he 
comes, with a determined resolve to fight for the insult of- 
fered in opening thus hastily his veins, from which streamedt 
the red fluid of life. What now is to be done ? He raves, 
stamps, and makes a terrible lunge at his antagonist, who 
meets him with a sled stake, once more bringing iiim to 
the ground. Springing upon the animal, and taking from 
his pocket a small pen-knife, with point broken off", he suc- 
ceeds in dividing the great artery, which at once decided 
the fate of the conquered foe. Such scenes were by no 
means uncommon during the early history of our country. 

In 1815 a printing press was landed here, from which 
Mr. Jonathan Ingersoll issued a twelve by fourteen inch 
newspaper. It afterwards passed into the hands of Ebe- 
nezer Mack. 

The Republican Chronicle was first issued under the su- 
pervision of Messrs. Spencer & Stockton, September 6, 
1820. The paper took strong ground against the then act- 
ing Governor, DeWitt CHnton. 

The Presbyterian church was erected in 1817. 

The First Methodist Chapel in 1820. 

The Baptist in 1830 and '31. 

In 1819 a branch of the Newburg Bank was established 
here with a capital of $70,000. 

The Ithaca Bank was incorporated in 1829, with a 



10 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

capital of $200,000- Charter expired December 21, 
1849. 

The Tompkins County Bank chartered 1833. Capital 
^250,000. H. Camp, President. N. T. Williams, 
Cashier. 

Merchants' and Farmers' Bank organized 1839. Capi- 
tal 8150,000. J. B. Williams, President, Charles E. Har- 
dy, Cashier. 

The Ithaca Academy was incorporated in 1825. 

A Hunting Club was organized October 18, 1823. The 
grand object of this organization was " for the purpose of 
having once in each year a regular deer and wolf hunt in 
some part of the county." Officers were appointed with 
power to make all necessary arrangements for a skirmish 
in December. The following circular appeared in the Re- 
publican Chronicle, Nov. 26, of the same year. We tran- 
scribe it as a relic worthy of preservation, and which may 
be new to many of our readers : 




GRAND DEER AND WOLF DRIVE. 

TO THE MEN OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

THE Chief of the Tomphins County Hunting Tribe 
gives notice, that the GRAND ANNUAL HUNT will 
lake place about the full moon in the month of December 
next. The ground designated for this year is in the town 
of Newfield. Great care has been taken to survey and 
mark out a section of country embracing a circumference 
of about twenty-five miles, abounding vviih Deer, and much 
infested with Wolves, Bears, Panthers, Foxes, and other 
enemies of the human race. Every precaution will be used 
to prevent disappointment, and to guard against accident. 
Men of Tompkins County ! this is a subject in which you 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. 11 

will all take an Interest. The flocks and herds of our fron- 
tier towns are preyed upon by the Wild Beasts of the for- 
est. The repose of the settler is disturbed by the midnight 
howl of the Wolf and yell of the Panther. We have de- 
clared against them a war of extermination. We have 
determined to perform in a day, what in the ordiinary course 
of events, would be the work of years. You desire your 
share of fame — of sport and plunder. Then seize the pres- 
ent moment. Jf you do not, you will regret it, and say, 
" The Grand Hunt has taken place ; the monsters of the 
wilderness have been routed from their hiding places, and 
1 was not there." Advance then to our aid. 1 cannot 
give you the precise day of the Hunt ; but you shall have 
notice when to come on. " Come in companies, pairs, or 
singly." I will organize you for the expedition. Ride to 
the ground if the distance is far, and send your horses back, 
DC keep them until you return. But remember that every 
man who accompanies us, places himself under my com- 
mand, and must submit to the salutary discipline of our 
regulations. Sportsmen of neighboring counties will le- 
ceive the right hand of good fellowship. 

BENJAMIN DRAKE, Chief. 
WILLIAM R. GREGORY, Scribe. 

The hunt, or annual wolf drive, took place on the 19th 
and 20th days of December. The colonels and command- 
ants of companies repaired to the ground the day previous, 
for the purpose of making some explorations. The chief 
passed his countersign from Signal Hill at eight o'clock in 
the morning, after which the line of march was commenced. 
Surveys and sealed instructions were furnished to officers 
at head-quarters by the scribe. 

The weather was intensely cold. The snow had fallen 
to a g-reat depth the day and night previous, and was still 
increasing, when the expedition " took up their line of 
march." About eight hundred men set off, armed " with 
buckler and shield," dressed in fantastic garb, with waiving 
plumes, and with a courage that would look a wolf out of 
a "grin" of defiance, or make a panther drop his " tail" as 
an indication of his wish " of absence." Napoleon, with 
his 400,000 well-disciplined soldiers, was not more elated 



12 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

on entering the dominions of the Russian t3'rant, than were 
these expectant laurelled heroes when they had reached 
the confines of the wilderness, where miglU be heard the 
howl of the wolf, the scream of the panther, and the growl 
of old bruin. " Stop," says John, " don't you see that 
shaggy bear just back of that big white elm tree? let me 
blow his brains into the middle of the survey ground, where 
we will heap up the ' slain in battle.' " " No, no," replies 
Bill, '' if we disobey orders, the Grand Scribe will not give 
us a snifter from his big canteen, and our laurels will droop 
in the hour of disobedience." 

On march the heroes — not the victors of a hundred bat- 
tles — but the keen-eyed marksmen, who seldom fail in di- 
recting the leaden death-dealing missive. All is joy, hilar- 
ity, and heroic hopes " of glorious war." 

Now they pause. They have reached the survey 
grounds, and each company, dividing off in " warrior" or- 
der, they encircle a circumference of about "nineteen miles" 
of territory, embraced within the borders of Enfield and 
Newfield. The tracks in the falling snow indicate the 
certainty of" game," and every eye brightens at the pros- 
pect of gathering in the mangled forms of tigers, wolves, 
wild-cats, and gnarling bears. Closer, closer, press the 
men of musket, ball, and rapier-knife. On o'er 

" Rocky dens and wooden glens," 

the waging foes of prowHng beasts are moving up for bat- 
tle's rage, and hunter's hopeful plunder. No bugle's blast, 
or fife's shrill note, op epaulets, nor fiery steeds, or fancied 
shrieks, are needed to give courage to the " hunting tribe," 
for 

" Ambition courts promotion." 

Hark ! the howling wolf and frightened deer go bound- 
ing o'er the hills, for the warrior tribes are closing up in 
their pursuit. The surrounding lines are drawing in sight 
of each other; and now the sharp crack of the rifles tell 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. 



1^' 



that the bloody work has commenced. Crack ! crack ! 
crack ! Bang ! bang ! go the shooting-irons, and down 
comes the lifeless beasts of prey. Just now two companies 
of the Cayuta boys, who feared the game would all be 
slain, and their rifles be of no more service, opened a way 
by which much of the " spoils'' escaped to marshes border- 
ing the Cayuta Lake. Thus ended the first scene in the 
bloody dramas in which the renowned Hunting Tribe of 
Ithaca took a conspicuous part. Would our limits allow, 
we would give another " leaf." As it is, we have only 
room to say that, we have lost a portion of our notes, and 
therefore cannot speak with exactness relative to the hun- 
dreds and thousands slain. 

The " Moral Society" claimed almost every right that 
despotism would dare to sanction, or a crowned head 
would think to assume. Rights that in other countries and ' 
in other ages would bring the heads of such moralists to ' 
the block — divide an empire, or dethrone a tyrant. The 
right to drench an offender with water ; lassoe the boaster, 
drag him hurriedly to the creek, and treat him with a cold 
v^^ater bath ; to compel the " ignorant or uncivilized" to run 
the gauntlet ; the loafer to pass through a " mock trial," 
to be condemned and thrust into the landlord's bar, and 
pawned for a " dozen snifters"; the seizing of the drunkard 
and carrying him to close quarters, or ccmsigning him to 
the care of eight or ten lazaronas^ who hesitated not to 
strip the unfortunate man of his clothing and exhibit him 
to the crowd, who, in return of compliment, direct the of- ' 
fering up 6f a prayer to the heathenish Molock of intem- 
perance. 

The citizens of those days, if not strictly temperate 
themselves, had an abhorrence of inebriety in others ; es- 
pecially if the subjects were not of their immediate commu-^^ 
nity. Wo to the unhappy wight from another town who ' 
became intoxicated, and prolonged his stay in this embryo 



14 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

village, or city, until after nightfall ! Willing, or unwilling, 
he was sure to be conducted to a safe enclosure, and there 
left, Irequently with swine and cattle, to ruminate on his 
condition until the next morning. In short, he was incon- 
tinently led or carried to th3 pound, kindly ushered in, and 
there retained until another sun awoke him to life and so- 
briety. But he was not, by any means, like Colonel Ben- 
ton, " solitary and alone ;" sometimes no less than five or 
six, not including, geese, cattle, or swine, shared the same 
recess with him. For instance, the citizens were very ac- 
tive and persevering, and any tardy drunken foreigner was 
sure to fall into their hands. From sunrise to sunset he 
was perfectly safe ; until then he might " eat, drink and be 
merry," without fear of danger; but if, after that time, he 
was discovered with a " brick in his hat," or in the least 
degree whimsical in his gait, he might depend upon an in- 
troduction to the pound. These pedestrian citizens soon 
became conscious and convinced of this fatality, and as the 
shades of night began to appear, they might be seen wend- 
ing their way over the hills for their respective homes, or 
at least for a respectable distance from the village. Sat- 
urday evening was considered, and used to be called, " the 
Harvest Evening." On that day the '''■peasantry''' were 
more abundant from the country, and at night the pound, 
as a matter of course, had the most victims. 

This mammoth pound was situated on what is now 
known as Aurora street, on a vacant lot directly in the 
rear of the dwelling at present occupied by Mr. Alexander 
King. It was of a rectangular figure of about thirty feet 
by forty, composed of stout plank placed in an upright po- 
sition, and in height about eighteen or twenty feet. The 
entrance was through a thick ribbed door, which was firm- 
ly secured by an enormous hasp and padlock. Once in, 
and escape was difficult even for a sober man, and almost 
impossible for one incapacitated by liquor. The outside 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. 15 

barbarians, particularly those who had suffered, regarded 
the gloomy and arrogant receptacle with pretty much the 
same sensations that former Frenchmen did the Bastille ; 
and it was seldom passed by them without curses loud and 
deep being thundered against it. But to demolish it re- 
quired both strength and time ; and the very attempt, they 
well knew, would call to its rescue such power as must en- 
sure their defeat. But revenge they would have, and as 
they could not inflict it upon the pound, they determined 
it should be upon those who upheld it. Their blood boiled 
within them when they reflected upon the nights they " had 
been penned up in that infernal hole," and they resolved 
to retaliate upon their persecutors. They went cautiously, 
soberly, and discreetly about it, and in some measure at- 
tained their object. 

It was on a Saturday night, in the month of November, 
1813, that a group were collected in the Hotel, then kept 
by Luther Gere. They were confabulating respecting a 
circumstance which had never before happened in the re- 
membrance of the oldest inhabitant — not a drunken man 
from the vicinity had been seen on that memorable day, 
and the pound was absolutely without a human tenant. 
It was strange, passing strange. It was unaccountable, 
and the more they refreshed their sagacity with liquor, the 
deeper grew the mystery. What, in the name of wonder, 
had become of Jaconiah, and Old Galote, and Barney Spry, 
and Corporal Barber, and some dozen others, who had 
never before failed them ? Not a man could form a con- 
jecture, and even the President of the Moral Society ac- 
knowledged himself bewildered. In the midst of these 
surprises and commotions, a golden-haired urchin, and who 
rejoiced in the name of " Red Top," entered — his eyes dis- 
tended with terror, and "each particular hair like quill 
upon the fretful porcupine." He wanted to know if any 
person had seen or heard of Mr. Grant, of the Coffee 



16 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

House, who, after supplying a thirsty customer, had went 
some two hours ago to get a bill changed, and had not re- 
turned. None of those addressed had seen or heard of 
him ; but as it was not yet past ten o'clock, they did not 
think it very surprising, or at least alarming; that he had 
not yet returned to his home. This slight interruption pro- 
duced no impediment to the " feast of reason and the flow 
of soul," and they continued their surmises and conjectures 
until the clock had tolled the hour of twelve, and were then 
about to separate for their respective dwellings, when a 
slip-shod maiden tumbled in among them, as if the arch 
fiend himself had given her a shove, and she inquired, with 
panting breath, if Squire Benjamin was among them. 
This gentleman, one of the lights of the day, equall)'^ re- 
vered and beloved, had, it appeared, closed his store at nine 
o'clock for the purpose of returning home, and his compla- 
cent countenance had not beamed on any one since. 
Things now began to grow serious, and the party ushered 
forth, and making due inquiry, ascertained that not only 
those already reported as missing, had not yet been heard 
of, but that two more were absent in the same mysterious 
manner. Terror and consternation was frightfully depic- 
ted on every countenance. Mr. Crawford Butler, a very 
active and energetic man, immediately procured a very 
large bell, which gave its brazen peals from one street to 
another, and which, accompanied by shouts and yells, 
alarmed the whole village, and soon every drowsy inhabi- 
tant was aroused. Each nook, hole and corner, was en- 
lightened by flaming torches, and almost inaccessible pla- 
ces were pryed into. The pound alone escaped the argus- 
eyed explorators. There w^as not a suspicion or an idea 
that their departed worthies could be concealed, or immured 
within its hateful precincts, unless they had the wings of an 
eagle or some mountain bird. Besides, this was a recepta- 
cle fer foreign offenders, not for praiseworthy citizens to 



ITHACA AS IT WAS- 17' 

wander into. But with all their anxiety and perseverance 
not a discovery was made, and before the morning dawned 
the weary searchers retired for a temporary repose. 

But we must hasten to a conclusion, and be brief in that. 
No fowler ever hastened with more alacrity to his net, 
or hunter with more curiosity to his trap, than young Itha- 
cans were accustomed, at the glimmer of da}^ to visit the 
pound for the purpose of ascertaining what the night had 
brought forth. Nor was the ensuing Sabbath morning an 
exception. Scarcely had Aurora flung forth her radiant 
rays in the east, and foretold the Sun, before some half 
dozen of these beardless yeomanry, werjp peeping and 
straining their eyes through the crevices and knotholes of 
this gloomy and unadorned mansion. They looked, and 
looked, and looked again. What ! did their eyes deceive 
them ? Could it be possible ! Were those most disconso- 
late looking men, with their mouths gagged, and their 
hands tied behind them, and who were pacing up and down 
this prison-house — this ill-constructed pound — were they 
four of the most respectable citizens! Were they Jesse 
Grant, Joseph Benjamin, Peleg Chefesebrough, and Zach- 
ariahHogan? But doubt and suspense soon vanished. — 
The prisoners approached the place where the juvenile 
spectators stood, more fully revealed themselves to view, 
and partially mumbled their wants. The messengers has- 
tened home, communicated the news of what they had 
seen and heard to their parents, and soon the intelligence 
had reached every ear. The missing were restored — the 
lost were found. 

On the release of the sufferers, it appeared that on the 
previous night they had been severally and separately 
seized by a band of desperadoes, gagged and tied, the door 
of the pound opened by some master key, and were then 
unceremoniously thrust into this gloomy receptable. They 
had endured much misery, arising from their position dur- 



18 ITHACA AS IT WAS. 

ing a bleak and siormy night, and of wliicli they long after 
felt the effects. 

The perpetrators of this outrageous act were never ex- 
actly known, but conjectures and suspicions ended in a 
settled belief, that those pedestrian citizens whose accus- 
tomed habits of inebriety had often made them inmates of 
this prison house — this terror to evil doers — were the very 
men who consigned them to the pound, an act which gave 
them a certain species of immortality. Not that they had 
performed a truly heroic deed. Not that kind of immortality 
sought by the laurelled warrior, whose feet had trodden 
on crowns, o^ whose hands had divided empires. Not 
that immortal renown won by heroic valor on victory's 
red field of battle. But they had gained that honor and 
that shame which unwarrantable retaliation ever weaves 
for the brow of the undignified oppressor. Some of those 
ill-treated citizens still live, honorable ornaments of society. 

We live in an important era of the world ; in an age of 
improvement and development of character. The arts and 
sciences are rapidly progressing. Religion and temperance 
unite in the good work of regeneration. Thirty years ago 
many doubted the propriety of temperance associations, 
and presumed the traffick in ardent spirits to be morally 
right. Things have changed. Few me*i will cit this day 
engage in a business which increases the misery and deg- 
radation of the human family. We copy the following 
choice gem more as a curiosity than for any oiher purpose .' 

WHISKEY FOR WOOD. 

The subscribers will pay two and a half gallons pood 
WHISKEY per cord for dry PINE WOOD, delivered at 
their Distillery near Fall Creek. 

Jlhaca, Dec. 4, 1824. GUN & BELB'EN. 

It is related of a gentleman well known in the vicinity of 
Fall Creek, who sold a valuable farm in New Jersey, for 
which he received $10,000, and soon located his family on 
a hundred acres of choice land on the hill a littk back frora' 



ITHACA AS IT WAS. 19 

The distillery. That he erected a comfortable dwelling- 
house and outbuildings, and then, with his sons, bent his 
energies to the improvement of the farm. That as time 
moved on and the rich fumes and aromatic vapors which 
escaped most plenteously from the still worm, had an un- 
favorable influence on the father and his sons, tending not 
only to the derangement of business, but also to the utter 
annihilation of all their moral sentiments and social ties- 
That they sold and delivered to the proprietors of the aqua 
morbi et mortis one hundred cords of dry '•^ pine wood.,'''' and 
the avails thereof carried up the hill in " a half-gallon jug." 
In a few years father and sons were found fettered to the 
tyrant foe. Time rolled on, and the fortune went to ruin's 
wreck. Diseases, if not entirely engendered by the con- 
tents of the poisoned chalice, were, at least, made more 
alarmingly fatal, swept some into untimely graves, while 
the father was harried prematurely to his final " resting 
place."" And the aged wife and mother, whose hands had 
become callous with toil, and whose heart had l)een bro- 
ken with sorrow, and who oft trimmed, in her cheerless 
moments, the midnight taper, to beacon the faltering steps 
of her husband to the home he had made desolate, prayed 
and wept over the tombs of the departed. She knew they 
had lived drunkards, died drunkards, sunk into the drunk- 
ard's graven and perhaps gone down to the drunkard's 
hell ! In the little grave-yard on the hill nest some of their 
remains, and there we will leave them in the quiet repose 
of the dead ! We woyld not knowingly cause one tear to 
sliart in the pitying eye; or one sigh to heave the breast of 
any remaining friend. 

We delight in referring to the early history of our coun- 
try ; in calling up reminisences of the past. Here in this 
valley, where less than one century ago roamed the untu- 
tored red men of the forest, then spreading itself out into all 
the jugged grandeur of nature, we now behold a numer- 



20 ITHACA AS IT WAS- 

ous, happy, and peaceful population of enlightened freemen- 
The wilderness vanished before the hand of civilization. 
The piercing yell of the savage, and the terrific howl of the 
wolf no longer echoes from liili to hill, but neatly cultivated 
farms bedecked with the tranquil abode of the husbandman, 
and growing villages now mark the aspect of our country. 
Here where art has reared these temples, consecrated to 
religion, to literature and science, once walked the stern 
Cayugas in all their native dignity. Here burned their 
council fire ; here was heard the " war whoop, the death 
grapple, and the shout of victory." Yes, the sacred coun- 
cil fire had, for unknown ages, burned upon their altar of 
uncontaminated freedom. Its living light had been the 
beacon for untold years to the returning warriors, and its 
smoke had continually ascended in wreaths of grateful in- 
cense to the abode of the Great Spirit. Once they fished 
in our beautiful lake, and hunted on our hills, but they are 
now withered and fallen ; their greatness has departed. 
Here the chant of the red braves was heard upon the war 
path ; their dominion has been wrested from them forever ; 
their glory lives but in the songs of their chroniclers ; their 
grandeur unhonored by their exterminators. Where we 
now see glade and woodland teeming with all the blessings 
of civilization, the red man once stood with listless eye, the 
last remaining scion of his tribe ; he came to bid farewell 
ere he should fly before the " pale face" towards the west- 
ern wilds. He bade farewell, and down the warrior's 
cheek a tear was seen to steal its way unbidden from its 
fount ; but like a warrior brave he brushed away the pearl, 
and ere the sun had set, his feet were wending towards the 
western sky. He looked upon the ruins of his ancient 
grandeur; he cast a last lingering gaze upon the home of 
his ancestors, now no longer his, and heaving one deep 
sigh for his glory, now alas departed, and turning his back 
to the orient sky, he left the mounds of warriors, hoping in 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 21 

after time to rest in the "spirit land," on hunting grounds 
beyond the white man's rage ! Once his httle bark did 
sweetly glide upon the white-crested foam of Cayuga's 
sparkling waters ; and oft along its banks he drew with 
sinewy arm the feathered arrow, that did its mission well- 
And here, too, the Indian maiden pored the song, and her 
sweet lays were borne upon the zephyr-breeze. Ah ! 
where the snorting water-horse now ploughs his way, her 
slender hands have spread the fluttering sail. But the 
dusky maiden's voice is silent now ; no more the midnight 
breeze bears her minstrel song along where once she wooed 
her noble brave .' 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 

Such is the past. We now come to speak of (he present 
— of Ithaca as it is. The contrast is hardly to be compre- 
hended. 'I'he change from toil, privation, and constant 
effort, to those of ease, repose, and tranquility ; from the 
hardy pioneer's life, to one of affluence and splendor ; 
from the rustic garb to the finer and more costly fabrics of 
American or English manufacture ; from a dense wilder- 
ness, to rich, fertile fields ; from low, filthy, and miasmatic 
lagoons^ to dry, healthy, and beautiful flower gardens ; from 
the absence of learning and literary pursuit, to the flooding 
of every species of intelligence. Our seminaries of learn- 
ing are prosperous, placing the means of improvement 
within the reach of every citizen, while the church spires 
rear their imposing forms on high, as moral beacons to re- 
claim the wanderer in the paths of forbidden pleasure, and 
to bring them back from all their aberrations to a life of 
rectitude and repose. 

We remember back when Ithaca was not a county seat ; 
when it was the extreme southeast corner of Seneca coun- 



22 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

ty, with scarce population enough to form a respectable 
funeral procession. Those noble streams now performing 
great and valuable labor for the operative, were here to 
abide the will of the skillful mechanic. The spirit of enter- 
prize awoke ; many master spirits, some of whom now 
slumber beneath the turf, with scarce a mark to point out 
the place of their sepulchre, went forward with energy in 
works of improvement. The erection of the county of 
Tompkins placed her in the judicial centre of a territory of 
which she had long been the business emporium, and by 
patient toil and enlightened liberality, the wilderness has 
literally been made to blossom as the rose. 

The early pioneers were a hardy race of men. They 
shrunk from no responsibility, but freely grappled with the 
iron scourge of adversity. I'hey were not of that passive 
character so characteristic of some of the wealthiest of the 
present day. There was none of that negative disposition 
about them. They were men of energy and action. They 
saw that they had a great work to accomplish, and nerved 
themselves for the effort. Behold the result. An enter- 
prising commercial mart arises over the native soil of a 
wandering tribe, now al<iiost, if not quite, extinct. Where 
once rose the smoke from the wigwams of the native lords 
of the forest, we now see costly private residences, public 
houses, manufactories, mammoth stores, and architectural 
beauty on every side. 

In 1806 Ithaca numbered 12 dwelling houses. In 1853, 
as per actual count, we find an increase of 8(!0. Then 
there were 17 families, now there are 847. In 1809 the 
population numbered 250. In 1825 it had increased to 
1548. Gain in nineteen years, 1298. Jn 1853 the popula- 
tion is set down at 7000. Increase during the last twenty- 
eight years, 5452. 

in 1806 there were some three or four mechanics. In 
1853 the increase is upwards of three hundred. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 23 

Forty-seven years ago there were two streets, now there 
are sixty-two. We have arranged, and now give their 
names in alphabetical order : 

Aurora, Auburn, Albany, Buffalo, Brindley, Clinton, 
Corn, Cascadilla, Chestnut, Columbia, Cayuga, Dey, Ed- 
dy, Elm, Fulton, First, Fourth, Franklin, Fountain, Fay- 
ette, Factory, Farm, Geneva, Green, Gulf, Hancock, Jay, 
Junction, Lewis, Linn, Linden, Lake, Monroe, Marshall, 
Mechanic, Meadow, Mill, New, Owego, Ontario, Parker, 
Pine, Prospect, Plain, Second, Sixth, Seventh, Spring, 
Spencer, Seneca, Short, Tompkins, Tioga, Third, Utica, 
Varrick, Washington, West, Walnut, Wheat, Yates. 

Ithaca is favored with eight churches, seven hotels, one 
academy, fourteen public and private schools, two weekly 
newspapers, three bookstores, two banks, twenty-one fire, 
and eight life insurance agencies, six fire companies, two 
flouring mills, two plaster mills, one steam saw-mill, three 
storage and forwarding houses, six cabinet and chair shops, 
one sash factory, four machine shops, one poitery, one 
stone-ware store, one marble factory, two bakeries, four 
carriage shops, seven blacksmiths, three meat-markets, two 
tanneries, two leather depots, six barbers, one brewery, 
one gas company, one wool-pulling factory, two paper 
mills, three jewellers, five millinery shops, one cotton fac- 
tory, two gun-smith shops, one undertaker, one oil-cloth 
factory, five saddlery and harness shops, one county clerk's 
office, one court house, one jail, one post-office, one town 
hall, one news office, one silver and brass plating shop, four 
daguerrean halls, five drug stores, five cigar and tobacco 
manufactories, five dentists, two chandleries, two confec- 
tioneries, one crockery store, three hat and cap stores, 
twelve clothing rooms, four hardware stores, fifteen groce- 
ries and saloons, eight boot and shoe stores, one railroad 
station, one express office, nine lumber merchants, fifteen 
dry-good merchants, under the following firms : 



No 


.32 


Owego Street. 


(( 


45 




n 


li 


48 




it 


11 


50 




l( 


11 


52 




11 


i( 


54 




u 


a 


57 




(( 


u 


60 




(I 


(( 


80 




ii 


11 


84 




n 


u 


92 




u 


(( 


91&93 


u 


u 


94 




11 


u 


110 




(( 



^ ITHACA AS IT IS. 

D. J. Seaman, 

L. H. Culver, 

S. H. Winton, 

Seymour & Johnson, 

VV. T. Hopkins, 

J. M. Landon, 

Finch Sl Stowell, 

Harris & Wilgus, 

J. & J. VV. Quigg, 

John Kendall, 

Avery, Wood worth & Co. 

Hoyt & Smith, 

F. T. Greenly & Co. 

Hibl)ard & Atwater, 
Without presuming any disparagement to others, we 
have selected a kw of the more prominent business actors 
on whom we wish to bestow a favorable notice. Mr. L. 
H. Culver is one of the heaviest dry-gcJod dealers, his sales 
varying from $150,{J00 to $175,000 per year. We recol- 
lect his attending the district school ; and when on the 
farm, driving his father's team ; we knew him an appren- 
tice, now taking hides from a tan-vat, and now shaking 
with the ague, or bleaching with the chill fever. We see 
him in his under-ground grocery ; now branching out a lit- 
tle, reaching farther, grasping more, adding hundreds to 
hundreds, and thousands to thousands. Ever busy, active, 
and energetic, he counts his gains with a certainty that 
surprises even himself. First and last at his store, his 
watchful eye is upon every branch of his business, observ- 
ing at a glance the right and the wrong, and applying the 
action and the word together, sees all things move on like 
clock-work. He has every thing to sell, and a host of at- 
tentive clerks to wait on customers. 

Ttiere's a Bukritt, a Johnson, and seven or eight more, 
A Sanford, a Bakkr, who'll attend to a score ; 
There's Terry, Vandorn, both active and free. 
While CnAELEY, and others, should added here be. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 25 

At the stores of Messrs. Hoyt & Smith, dealers in dry- 
goods and groceries, you can feast your eyes with a sight 
of all that is rare, dazzling and beautiful. There may be 
seen the gaudy and the fanciful, the substantial and dura- 
ble. Their purchases are made with taste and judgment, 
and their prices are exceedingly low. They adopt the 
motto of " small profits and quick sales." And why should 
not high tariffs and exorbitant exactions be repudiated, and 
the more reasonable and liberal dealers receive the custom 
of the mass of the people, who practice upon the principle 
" a penny saved is two pence clear." The ladies will find 
every thing in the millinery line at their store, as they have 
recently connected that branch with their former business, 
and are therefore fully prepared to suit all customers of 
taste and judgment. They have a rich supply of bonnets, 
blonds, braids and gimps, also a supply of fine rich flowers, 
all Le Premier gout de Paris. This is no " puff," it is sober 
reality. They are gentlemen, and decidedly fair traders, 
and most eminently worthy their extensive patronage. 

Our esteemed friend, Mr. C W. Loomis, is ever at his 
post, ready to do the agreeable in the most agreeable way 
to agreeable customers. Go on, George, you are on the 
road to fame. Continue as prompt, punctual and atten- 
tive, and yours will be a boon worth more than a crown 
studded with gorgeous brilliants. The same we most 
heartily say of our young friend, Andrew J. Giltner. 

Messrs. J. &W. J. Quigg, (successors to David Quigg,) 
have recently removed to their new store, No. 80 Ovvego 
Street, where they are now offering to their old, and a host 
of new customers, one of the most splendid assortments of 
goods ever exhibited in any store in Ithaca, and they pledge 
themselves to not be undersold by any other firm. One 
thing is certain, they may, without the least fear, challenge 
a circuit of fifty miles to produce a more magnificent store. 
" Elegant ;" really, Mr. Spencer, that word will hardly an- 



'26 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

swer the purpose. Jt'is now made brilliant and dazzlingly 
grand. It is worth something of an item to look at, to say 
nothing of the'chance of purchasing goods below par price. 
Messrs. Hibbard & Atwater are young men of energy 
and sagacity, upon whom the sun of prosperity shines. 
Possessed in an eminent degree of that go-a-headative 
principle which is peculiarly calculated to make men useful, 
they have earned a reputation which has placed them 
among the best financiers of Ithaca. Their motto is small 
profits and large sales ; and this principle is certainly in 
accordance with the spirit of tlie times. Every variety of 
goods will be found at their store, and at the most satisfac- 
tory prices. Prompt and attentive, honorable and just, we 
hope their future success will be, if possible, more abundant 
than in former years. We are fully aware of the impor- 
tance of giving correct information, and we feel fully at 
liberty, and take to ourselves pride and pleasure in recom- 
mending their store to the agricultural part of community, 
for it is very certain that their's is really a farmer's store. 
True, they deal in the more fanciful as well as substantial 
goods. They have 

Silks and satins, rich and rare, 

And cloths of every kind ; 
And prints they have laid in with care, 

To suit the fairest mind. 

IMr. J. M. Landon is now receiving from the city an ex- 
tensive and splendid assortment of dry-goods of every va- 
riety and shade. His groceries are well chosen, and com- 
pare fully with those of other extensive dealers. He in- 
tends that his goods shall fully meet the desired wishes of 
his customers, and at prices the most reasonable. 

His assortment is quite complete, 

His goods are fitje, and nice, and new ; 
He hail scarfs and black cravats, 

And broadcloths brown, and black, and blue. 

He has cashmeres, all nice and fine, 

And silks in which there is no cheat ; 
Alpaccas too, of every hue, 

And prints that never can be beat. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 97 

And groceries of every kind, 

Good tea, coffee, sugar and rice. 
And every thing to suit the mind. 

Tariff off, and low in price. 

Mr. VV. T. Hopkins, long and favorably known, keeps 
one of the best mercantile houses in Central New York. 
His goods are selected with great care, and are of the 
choicest in market. He does not intend to be undersold 
by any other store in the county, the quality and richness 
of the goods considered ; encouraging always an honorable 
competition, sincerely deprecating a reckless and dishon- 
orable course. Willing to submit to the sober judgment 
of friends and the community, he adopts the motto of 
"small profits and quick returns." From the days of our 
boyhood, we have known Mr. Hopkins as a gentleman 
and an honorable man ; just what would naturally be ex- 
pected, having sprung from a race of high-minded, ener- 
getic pioneers. And it is with no small degree of pleasure 
that we speak of Mr. H. and his splendid array of goods 
thus frankly and freely. He who sustains a good and 
worthy mercantile reputation, must not lumber his shelves 
with worthless fabrics, but must select the most valuable 
and substantial goods, and such is the course adopted at 
No. .52. 

Messrs. Finch & Stowell rank among the heaviest deal- 
ers in town, and can furnish customers at prices perfectly 
satisfactory. This, if we mistake not, is the oldest firm in 
Ithaca, and is one of the most reliable character. We 
have never purchased an article of them which did not 
prove as good as recommended. They are open, frank, 
practical men, and not easily outdone in the quantity, qual- 
ity, or cheapness of their goods. The frequent additions 
to their stock keeps a full store, and their long experience 
and favorable facilities for purchasing, together with their 
large sales, may be considered as prominent reasons for 
their moderate prices. 



28 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

We now come to speak of a claSs of business men who 
should ever receive a word of encouragement from tlie 
liberal and well-meaning part of community. The young 
and enterprising, the ambitious and persevering, who have 
just launched upon the sea of life their little craft, with well 
trimmed sails set to the breeze, hoping by industry and 
economy, to receive a reasonable advance on their labor 
and cash capital — a moderate competence for old age, sick- 
ness, or the adverse gales of fortune. Messrs. Hinckley 
& Bates, who keep a fruit and variety store, and general 
oyster depot, next door west of the Hotel, are of that class 
of enterprising go-a-head young traders whom we should 
be pleased to see anchor their laden treasures in the port 
of prosperity. They are daily in receipt of fresh oysters 
per express from Amboy, Fair Haven, and East River. 
Country dealers constantly supplied on the most satisfacto- 
ry terms. We bespeak for them the largest possible sales 
with a reasonable living profit. With every facility to 
please customers, they surely will receive a liberal share of 
public patronage. 

Mr. L. H. Bronson is another of this class, and is pleas- 
antly located in the new " DeWitt Buildings." He has a 
choice assortment of groceries, embracing every article 
usually kept in his line of trade. We have tried numerous 
specimens, and have no hesitancy in pronouncin;^ them 
just what they are recommended to be — only a little better 
— the very best i« market. His molasses and syrup, with 
a very little congealing, would serve well for runaway 
school boys to skate on. He is an enterprising young man, 
a gentleman and a scholar. Such a man will always flour- 
ish, get the dimes and troops of friends.| 

Yes, Bronson is the m.an to sell 

So low, that all should wisli him well, 

He's lots of goods that's new and cheap, 

A profit small he'll only reap ; 

But as he sells so very fast. 

He sure •will reap a hrap at last. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 29 

Quick sales and rocks in change, 
Tohlin are neither new nor strange ; 
He'll serve his friends — he"ll serve them Tvell, 
To all, his goods he's bound to sell. 
Trade where you can tnide the cheapest, 
Jf goods are nice, and new, and neatest; 
Then take a look in Bronson's store, 
When e'er you wi^^h to purchase more. 

Messrs. Garritt & Hlllick, 62 Owego Street, general 
dealers in groceries, crockery and provisions, and iiave re- 
cently added a sprinkling of dry-goods. They have one of 
the best locations in town, and should do an extensive bu- 
siness. We notice their store with pleasure, and suggest 
by way of an experiment, a trial of their select teas, coffee, 
sugar, and other choice articles of trade. Their assortment, 
is quite full. 

Messrs. Page & Pratt, proprietors of the " Empire Boot 
and Shoe Store," are located at No. 55 Owego Street, sign 
of the " Big Red Boot." We recently spent some time in 
examining their stock, and can confidently say that those 
who wish to purchase any thing in the boot and shoe line, 
■will find enough to accommodate a small empire, and of 
an almost endless variety of style and quality. No lady or 
gentleman need look any farther in search of a good, well 
finished and durable article, as their stock is the most ex- 
tensive of any ever offered in the county, and the prices 
and quality of the goods keep pace with each other, and 
the customer can always select to please the fancy. A 
good article is always warranted, and if, under any circum- 
stances, the goods do not answer the recommend, they are 
received back in exchange for others, and are thrown by 
under the counter, and labelled "condemned." Mr. Page 
is one of those agreeable fellows whose acquaintance is pe- 
culiarly valuable and interesting. Mr. Hagaman, who as- 
sists in the extensive sales, has no superior in his line of 
duty ; and the order and system adopted in the arrange- 
ment of the quality and sizes of the goods, and all the ope- 
rations of the store, render it most pleasant and agreeable 



30 ITHACA AS ir IS. 

lO visitors, and deserves the most liberal patronage of a lib 
eral community. 

May the Big Boot stand to the oufW-ard blast, 
While the boots within find sale so fast ; 
May the shoes make off, while the rocks roll in, 
And friend tell friend how the low price win — (s.) 

Then call at the sign of the " Big Red Boot," 
Where the sh.oes are nice and the boots will suit : 
"Where the eye will glow, and the fancy swell, 
For Page, ifc Pratt are the men ti> sell. 

Mr. 5 S. Tichenor & Son, manufacturers and dealers 
',n hats, caps, and furs, are located at 44 Owego Street. 
Mr. Tichenor came to Jthaca in 1818, having less than a 
shilling in money to lay out in business. But he enjoyed 
good health, and a determined will to accomplish whatever 
he resolved to do. He has spent about twenty-thi^ee years 
where iie is now situated, and the result of his labors place 
him in very easy circumstances, having accumulated a com- 
petence by industry and economy. As a hat manufacturer 
he has attained a high and honorable reputation. " Sala- 
din's Damascus blade severed the gossamer texture of the 
veil as it fell across its diamond edge, and Coeur de Lion's 
two handled blade cut the iron bolt without a fracture to 
its Irue tempered steel." Here are instances of two quali- 
ties possessed by the elegant hats of Messrs. Tichenors*— 
delicacy and strength. They manufacture expressly for 
the retail trade, and consequently warrant their hats to be 
as good as they are represented to be. By using good 
materials they are enabled to make a good hat, one that is 
neat and durable. Hats are none the better for being dis' 
tinguished by high-sounding names, such as Palo Alto's, 
Buena Vista, Kossuth, or Magyar, &c. &c. Durability 
with fine finish is the best hat eulogist. 

At the '• Crystal Palace,'' Mr. VV. M. Culver is making 
a fine display with his Bxtensive assortment of hats, caps, 
furs, and i^ady-made clothing— elegant and cheap. He 
possesses a peculiar tact in selecting head-gearing for the 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 31 

" million." Indeed, we know of no store in central or 
western New York where there is a greater variety of 
hats, caps, and clothing, than may be seen at the Palace^ 
The selections are made with judgment and taste, and the 
rapid sales only prove the truth of our observations. Gen- 
tlemen may clothe themselves in rich adorning, and yet if 
they lack a fine, elegant hat, their appearance resembles 
Don Pedro, when shorn of his admirable whiskers. His 
predicament was a sad one, for he wept as mourners weep 
at the loss of a kind friend. There is another feature about 
the Palace worthy of notice — the low price — a desideratum 
which all political economists admire and search after- 
The " million" have found it there. ' **^ '''^ 

Our old friend, James Clark, we are happy to see loca- 
ted at No. 1 " Clinton Hall." He has on hand a very fair 
stock of ready-made clothing, hats, caps, and furnishing 
goods. Qualities and prices to suit customers. Having 
spent a long series of years in the cutting department, he 
finds it easy to fit on the first trial. Mr. Clark is making 
arrangements to increase his stock in trade, and all custom" 
ers who may favor him with a call, may rely on being re- 
ceived with genuine politeness. May he " live a thousand 
years and his shadow never be less." 

Mr. A. Phillips, in the " DeWitl Buildin^j," has an ox- 
tensive and well selected assortment of cloths, cassimeres^ 
and vestings, and also every variety of garment usually 
found in his line of trade. The price and quality of his 
goods keep pace with each other, and customers can choose 
from a 85 to ^45 suit of clothing, and be sure of getting 
the worth of iheir money. Mr. Phillips has few, if any su' 
periors in cutting, in the state. No New Yorker gets the 
start of him in style, and a coat from his store is always a 
little ahead of what comes from the hands of his competi- 
tors. 

William P* Burdick, No. 70 Owego Street, dealer in fine 



32 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

watches, jewelry, silver-ware, and fancy goods. While 
examining his stock a few days since, we observed that 
his watches embraced every variety of style and quality. 
Among his stock are some very elegant duplex movements, 
in most superb cases ; fine English and French levers : la- 
dies' watches, with ornamented cases in diamond and en- 
amelled work, &,c., together with an assortment of highly 
finished movements from the best Liverpool and London 
makers. Gold chains of various patterns, guards, fob keys 
and seals. Clocks of various styles and sizes. Pearl and 
diamond work in pins, rings, and bracelets. Plated ware 
of every variety and fashion. In short, his stock we should 
judge to be well selected, rich and tasty. He is a gentle- 
man of fine accomplishments, and worthy of his extensive 
patronage. 

J. Stark Burdick, watch-maker, may be found at his 
" post of honor," giving his valuable time and attention to 
the placing of the wheels of time in their proper sphere for 
correct motion, and compelling the hand to trace the figures 
on the dial with a correctness that challenges the nicest 
scrutiny. Having enjoyed the instructions of some of the 
best jewellers of the state, he is prepared to do work in a 
style which does him much credit. May he get the dimes 
and dollars, sustain his present worthy reputation, and al- 
ways find hosts of good friends whereever destiny may cast 
his future lot. He is a gentleman of fine taste and judg- 
ment, and kovving how to appreciate a good thing, will as- 
suredly accept with kindness this mark of friendship. 

S. L. Vosburgh, 42 Owego Street, has one of the finest 
jewelry stores in Ithaca. His stock of goods is decidedly 
large and rich, making a most magnificent appearance. 
What he lacks in his splendid array of watches, jewelry, 
and clocks, need not be looked for any where else- He 
has an eye for the beautiful, and a will for progress and de- 
velopment. He keeps a little ahead of the times, that he 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 33 

miy not he presiniiad to liave belonged to another centii* 
ry. His store is an ornament to the expectant city. 

Messrs. Andriis, Gauntlett & Co. have one of the most 
«xtens!ve bookstores west of Albany, and they are doing 
a heavy business. Connected with their store they have a 
very respectable book and job printing office. Their pow- 
der press is capable of making one thousand impressions per 
hour. 

At the bookstore of Messrs. Wells &. Selkreg, we re- 
cently noticed a beautiful assortment of books, stationery, 
paper-hangings, &c. W^e should judge from appearances 
that they were doing a profitable business. Every thing 
is kept in perfect order, and a gentleman of laste and re- 
finement is alwa3's ready to wait on customers in the most 
becoming manner. Their motto is, " quick sales and small 
profits." 

Mr. W. L. Hind &, Co. have greatly improved the ap- 
pearance of their store, by enlarging, neatness of finish, and 
the substituting of large and beautiful window lights in 
place of their old 8 by lO's. it is now made really attrac- 
tive. They have a rich stock of goods, consisting io part 
of books, wall-paper, and fancy articles. With their pro- 
sent advantages, prompt attention to business, care and 
taste in selecting stock, they can hardly fail of doing a fair 
<ind increasing amount of trade. 

Among the drug stores, we notice in particular those of 
the Messrs. Schuylers, as being about the oldest and most 
general m their line, — two distinct establishments located 
in the eastern and western part of the village. Mr. Philip 
C Schuyler's, known as " West End Drug Store," wf 
should judge from appearances, to be one of the best and 
most carefully conducted stores in town. Mr. S. has been 
for nearly twenty years connected with the drug business, 
and has become fully competent to judge with regard to 
the purity of the articles in which he deals. Despising the 



34 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

idea of palming upon the ignorant or innocent, foul, filthy, 
poisonous compounds or nostrums, which has become too 
common in many parts of the country; he adopts the ut- 
most caution in purchasing, or preparing every thing he 
keeps for sale. 

Mr. George W. SchuJ^ler, No. 38 Owego Street, whole- 
sale an(l retail druggist. He keeps a large and well selec- 
ted assortment of American and English chemicals, drugs, 
medicines, perfumery, dye-stuffs, and fancy goods. His 
store is 102 feet deep, and the order and arrangement of his 
goods, makes it one of the most attractive and inviting of 
any in Ithaca. 

Mr. Schuyler is agent for the Hartford, Etna, North- 
western, and Home Fire Insurance Companies. Aggre- 
gate capital, $1,100,000. " Insurances may be effected in 
the above Companies on dwellings, household furniture, 
si ores, merchandize, &-c., on the most reasonable terms, 
and at rates consistent with a safe and honorable busi- 
ness." 

A. Whaley &:, Co., 58 Owego Street, druggists and 
chemists, dealers in paints, oils, spirit gas, camphene, lamps, 
perfumery, and varnishes, and agents for the most promi- 
nent patent medicines of the daj'. 

Dr. A. Whaley is a practicing physician of skill and ex- 
perience. His customers can, therefore, rely upon his 
medicines as being well selected and pure. He takes much 
care in preparing prescriptions, that no injurious results 
may arise from carelessness. He attends to professional 
calls in town and country. 

The store is handsomely fitted up, and the proprietors 
and clerks are attentive, courteous, and prompt. 

Dr. C. S. Miles, Seneca Street, is performing every kind 
of dentistry. Particular attention is paid to the execution 
of plate work. Artificial teeth he inserts, with or without 
gums, in the most scientific manner, and warrants them to 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 35 

give satisfaction in every case. He has applied himself to 
the practice of dentistry for the last eighteen years, and has 
become practically and scientifically one of the best opera- 
tors in this state. He inserts whole or partial sets of teeth, 
on fine gold or silver plate, and from specimens we have 
seen, we can most cordially recommend his work, believ- 
ing that he can give universal satisfaction in every depart- 
ment of his profession. 

Nor can we say less in regard to the dentistry of Dr. J. 
O. M. Ingersoll. He is fully prepared to perform all ope- 
rations upon the teeth in the most approved style, and with 
the latest improvements. He is ever happy to give any in- 
formation or advice, gratis, on the preservation of the teeth. 
His plate work is decidedly well executed. Naturally a 
genius, his practice is making him perfect. Of a firm con- 
sistent character, the utmost reliance may be placed on his 
word. In short, we freely recommend him as a scientific 
and permanent dentist operator. 

Of the other dentist operators we know less, and there- 
fore express no opinion. 

Mr. P. L. VanHoesen, No. H3 Owego Street, has a 
general assortment of cabinet-ware, which he is offering at 
prices the most reasonable. Being a practical mechanic, 
he deems it proper and more beneficial to his customers, to 
manufacture his own ware, and from the best materials, 
thereby being enabled to produce good work. 

Mr. VanHoesen is now manufacturing, and keeps con- 
stantly on hand, " Skiff's Metalic Air-Tight Coffins.'' We 
are of opinion that these coffins will, ere long, come into 
much more general use, the expense being about the same 
as for those composed of mahogany. The proprietor, in 
setting forth their great value, declares them to be inde- 
structible ; that the material being impervious to air, the 
coffin may be hermelrically closed, and after the air being 
exhausted, the body may be preserved for an imlimited pe- 



36 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

riodoftime. This being true, every person can judge of 
their value- We have seen natural llow^ers preserved in 
this way for seven years, retaining all their early freshness 
and beauty. We have many reasons for presuming that 
the human body may, in a like manner, be preserved for 
ages to come. We think the invention is one of great im- 
portance, and that the manufacturer should be liberally 
patronized. He also keeps on hand other varieties of cof- 
fins. 

The hardware store and machine shop of E. G. Pelton, 
Esq., No. 46 Owego Street, we visited a (ew days since, 
and were highly gratified with our various examinations. 
The store is 19 feet in width by 110 in depth, with a rear 
of 36 feet. It is composed of brick and stone, and is three 
stories higli. The first story is filled with an extensive as- 
sortment of hardware, embracing every variety usually 
kept in that line of trade. The order and arrargement we 
found precisely to our notion — a place for everything, and 
everything in its place. The second story is used for a 
store room. It is large and spacious, and well filled. The 
third is occupied for the manufactory of tin, sheet-iron, cop- 
per, and brass castings of every variety and quality. The 
iron cellar was well filled with the coarser metals. 

In the rear of the store is a well-conducted iron foundry 
and machine shop, for manufacturing mill gearing, cotton 
and woolen machinery, steam engines, shingle machines, 
engine lathes, and all other machinery manufactured from 
cast or wrought iron. We have not space to particularize, 
and can only give a passing opinion. His parlor and cook- 
ing stoves comprise some of the most approved patterns 
now in use ; the heavy hardware, a very general assort- 
ment, and of shelf goods an almost endless variety. \^ ith 
his great facilities for manufacturing and purchasing, in 
connection with his extensive sales, we judge him to be 
doing a profitable, as well as a heavy business. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 



# 



Mr. Pelton has boen a resident of Ithara for the last 
forty-five years; has been nnany years engaged in his pre- 
sent vocation, and has ever maintained an excellent repu- 
tation for honesty of purpose and liberality of sentiment. ' 
Mr. John Riimsey, his experienced and attentive clerk, 
is ever ready and willing to attend to his various duties as 
clerk, or in whatever department his services may be re- 
(juired. Competent, active, industrious, and persevering, 
we take much pleasure in speaking of him as a young man 
of sterling worth, calculated to be useful in whatever com- 
munity time or circumstances may place him. 

Mr. George P. Frost, 23 Aurora Street, is one of the old- 
est dealers in saddlery hardware in western Neu^ Ydrk, 
having been engaged in manufacturing saddles, harness, 
trunks, &c., &c., for about thirty-two years. And although 
his store and contents have been twice consumed by fire, 
he still " survives the wreck." His assortment comprises 
one of the greatest variety and the most complete and gen- 
eral in his line of any (if we except a few important cities) 
in the state. His motto is, " cheap as the cheapest, and 
good as the best." Indeed, we were much surprised while 
visiting his store, to see such a variety as well as extent of 
goods. There were single, double, and carriage harness 
of every description. Ladies^ and gentlemen's saddles of 
various styles, travelling trunks, valises, satchels, &c. — 
Trunks of every fashion neatly finished and decidedly 
tasty. Saddlery hardware and carriage trimmings, pat- 
ent and russet leather, enamelled and India rubber cloths, 
carriage broadcloth, laces and fringe, window shades, 
worsted cord and tassels, elegant brass window cornishes, 
bands and brackets, oil-cloth carpeting, manufactured at 
the East, of all widths and of beautiful patterns, the most 
substantial we have ever seen, fly nets, cotton, worsted, and 
linen, mats, curry combs and brushes, the celebrated angu- 
lar hames, and all other varieties, whips, an assortment 



38 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

quite complete, butts and screws, saddlery tools, shoe 
thread aad saddlery silk, malable iron, carriage bron/.e, 
trunk trimmings and locks, and a thousand other articles, 
we have not space to mention. Mr. Frost is a (air dealer, 
and is doing an extensive, and we should presume a profit- 
able business. 

Mr. L. Millspaugh, 102 Owego Street, manufacturer of 
single and double harness, saddles, trunks, valises, whips, 
carpet-bags, and mattrasses. From his long experience in 
the business he has made himself competent to give the 
most perfect satisfaction to those who favor him with their 
patronage. He keeps constantly on hand, and manufac- 
tures to order, from the best material and of unexception- 
able workmanship, every thing in his line of business. We 
have tried his wotk and found it of superior quality, not 
only as regards finish, but materials. 

"Horse millinery of every kind 
is essen'ial ; and there you will find 
No wanting ot skill in workmen, and more, 
iS'o hick of good will, he'll show you all o'er 
His own haudy-work ; please examine witli care, 
llnrnesK mounted with black, silver, brass, or inoie raro, 
Either double or single, you'll find very nice, 
And in winter the jingle lie'll add in a trice, 
A blanket to cover your pet horse in cold, 
A robe to throw over when snow storm.i are bold, 
India Rubber \vh.ei\ wet, or a nheet when too dry. 
Or a nice woven net to protect from the lly, 
And when on his back you are mounted to go, 
Should your saddle grow slack, ride to Millspiiugh's depot, 
'J'here all kinds and sizes for Ladies' and Gents', 
Arc at yoiu' own prices, if good your intents, 
Whip, fpur, hit and bridle, and all but ihe gloves 
Are there, for a rider conveniences loves. 
Valise, trunk, and bag, one and all may be li.id, 
For Lady or Gent, or the beardless young hub" 

Mr. Edward Stoddard is engaged in manufacturing 
leather and purchasing wool. He pays aimually, in cash, 
for wool, hides and skins, from fort}'^ to fifiy thousand dol- 
lars. He keeps a store on ihe corner of Aurora and Owe- 
go Streets, for the sale of all kinds of leather, and every ar- 
ticle commonly kept in his important branch of business. 
But the great bulk of his sales are made in New York» 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 39 

Boston, and Providence. Connected with his business in 
Ithaca, is the valuable tannery of Mr. Z. Hartsough, iu 
Varna, where there is a probability of manufacturing from 
five to six thousand sides of leather a year. Such an es- 
tablishment is of great productive importance to the coun- 
try. Indeed we regard it much more so than many of the 
more showy dry-good stores. 

The Farmer's Blacksmith Shop, located at No. 1 Auro- 
ra Street, under the direct control and management of Mr. 
P. G. Smith, an experienced and skillful mechanic, we no- 
tice with pleasure, knowing that we not only do justice to 
Mr. S., but a favor to those who want blacksmithing done 
in a neat, workmanlike manner. He is doing every branch 
of business connected with his trade, in a manner which is 
fully calculated to satisfy the most reluctant mind, and 
which leaves competition and comparison in the distance. 
In shoeing horses, ironing carriages', finishing edge tools, 
(fee., he has no superior in the county. By the Diffex 
process of hardening mill-picks, he is enabled to give (he 
most ample satisfaction. The very liberal patronage be- 
stowed on him, has not made him unmindful, or careless, 
but with him has a stronger tendency to renewed efforts to 
please his customers. 

Mr. W. G. Snow, manufacturer and dealer in cabinet- 
ware, &c. Mr. Snow is an experienced mechanic, and has 
in his employment workmen of skill and taste. He manu- 
factures all his wares from choice materials, not choosing 
to deal in eastern work, which is generalh'^ more or less 
slighted, eilher in finish, fashion, or durability. He has 
{mreaus, book-cases, side-boards, tables, chairs, bedsteads, 
Slc fee Of his work we speak knowingly. We have 
furnished our house with selections from his ware-room, 
14 Aurora Street, and we feel that we have been fully com- 
pensated for our mone}^ We bespeak for him an increase 
of patronage. As he renders a just equivalent for 



40 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

what he receives, he is the man to encourage — to patron- 
i'/e. 

The macliinery in the steam blind, sash, and door facto- 
ry of Mr- H. H. Moore, on Clinton Street, consists of three 
Circular saws, one tenonin"^ machine, one sticking, morti- 
cing, dovetailing, and such other as is necessary "• for the 
successful and rapid manufacture of sash, blind, and door 
making.'" The machinery is propelled by a steam engine 
of six horse power. During the past year Mr. Moore has 
manufactured some 2500 feet of blinds, and upwards of 
20,000 lights of sash. The planing machine works "to a 
charm." The proprietor furnishes, or makes to order, sash, 
blinds, or doors, of any style required, and in a durable and 
workmanlike manner. We cannot speak too favorable 
with regard to this valulable improvement, or the neatness 
of finish, durable construction, and variable style, which 
characterizes the products of this busy, humming factory. 

Mr. A. S. Cowdry, carriage maker. No. 5 Aurora Street. 
Mr. C. is a superior mechanic — has carried on the business 
of carriage manufacturing in Ithaca for upwards of a quar- 
ter of a century — a most conclusive evidence of his capa- 
city and fitness for the prosecution of so necessary a branch 
of mechanical labor. He keeps none but experienced 
workmen, and the materials used are of the choicest kind. 
His hubs, spokes, and fellys, are purchased ai ihf^ east, and 
are selected with care. He aims at neatness, durability, 
and fashionable style. Having trimmings of the latest 
fashion, and other facilities, renders him fully prepared to 
do work in a manner not to be surpassed in Ithaca. Light 
carriages constantly on hand or made to order. Having 
thoroughly tried his work, we can, most unscrupulously 
recommend it as being of the most substantial order and 
perfect finish. 

In the Daguerrean Rooms of Mr. J. V. R. Schuyler, we 
recently noticed many familiar and well known features — 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 4A 

true types of the orififinals- His rooms are large and air}% 
well furnished, and decorated with splendid pictures. — 
Having both sky and side-lights, and all other facilities 
known to be favorable to the art, we do not wonder at his 
furnishing daguerreotypes shadowing forth the smile of 
beauty and the glance of manhood's " living fire.'' Mr. 
Schuyler is an accomplished artist. He keeps a rich as- 
sortment of stock, among which may be seen some beauti- 
ful pearl cases, fit to hold within their embrace the portrait 
0^ the fairest and loveliest in the land. 

His gallery is well supported, and the affable and cour- 
teous proprietor is realizing a handsome compensation for 
his labor and time. He has had much experience in his 
profession, and his natural taste and skill will doubtless 
continue to render his galler}' as popular as his pictures are 
strikingly perfect. 

The value of a perfect likeness should not he estimated 
by dollars and cents. Our father, mother, brother and sis- 
ter — those have all, all departed. What would we not 
give for a type which would recall every feature of the lost 
and loved. There sits the mother mourning over the loss 
of her only child, it was a beautiful little gem of loveli- 
nes. But it is now cold and inanimate. The pulse has 
ceased to beat, the eyes are closed forever, the lips, though 
slightly parted, will never again move in ntiering words of 
childish simplicity. There is tiie marble brow and flaxen 
hair, but that brow has been touched by death, and made 
livid, cold ; and that glossy hair will no more hang in taste- 
ful ringlets about that neck of alabaster. The little child 
is dead. O, what treasure would purchase of the mother 
the last, the only daguerreotype of her loved, lost child ? — 

^ would not part wilh it for crowns or golden gems, 
^he Clinton House is a noble structure, finished and fur- 
nished in elegant order. 

]Mr. Minor Colegrove, proprietor of the Ithaca HoteL 



4'2 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

possesses every requisite of the gentleman, one of the few 
who fine! the way (o the heart and affections of ail who be- 
come his guests. He is ever prepared to do the agreeal)le 
to all who visit his house- The Hotel has recently un- 
derwent a thorough repairing, and its appearance and con- 
veniences are now decidedly attractive. His table " fix- 
ens" are of the most tempting order. The spacious par- 
lors, k)ng dining rooms, airy dormitories, and ample halls 
and passages, echoing to the steps of busy waiters and 
guests, coming and departing, fully bespeaks for the gen- 
erous and courteous proprietor, a honied word and a rock 
of gold. Mr. Colegrove is just the man to succeed Mr. 
Seymour in the capacity of " mine host" of the Hotel. 
Mr. S. has been for the last seven years proprietor of this 
highly popular house, sustaining a reputation the most re- 
spectable, enviable and correct, as a caterer for epicurean 
appetites. A gentleman of taste, discretion, and liberality, 
he has made an impression so favorable to himself and 
" better half," that time alone can deface it. 

The Tompkins House ranks with the first class of Ho- 
tels in this section of country. It has a pleasant locaiion 
on Aurora and Seneca Streets ; the rooms are pleasant, 
well ventilated and furnished, and all the arrangements are 
such as to enable the accommodating and attentive propri- 
etor, Mr. J. W. Mosher, to give full satisfaction to the 
travelling and local public. Appearances indicate that no 
pains are spared in rendering this popular house a pleasant 
temporary home for the traveller. 

A good livery is connected with this house, so that hor- 
ses and carriages are always in readiness to accommodate 
customers. 

'I'he Ice Cream Saloon and Confectionery of Mess*?. 
Brown &, Iloat, (successors to P. F. Dierckx,) is pleasant- 
ly situated on Owego Street. These gentlemen appear 
fully prepared to sustain the high reputation which this es- 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 



^ 



tablisbment acquired under the control of the former pro- 
prietor. The rooms are well furnished, and supplied with 
all the necessary accompaniments to please and attract the 
visitor. Tiieir stock of candies is unrivalled in the county, 
and they are ready at all times to furnish parties and ho- 
tels with pastry and confectionery on terms the most liber- 
al. They keep constantly supplied with all the delicacies 
of the season, which the epicures of the land can wish. 

We think we hazard nothing in saying that every arti- 
cle prepared or sold by these gentlemen, is really what it 
should be, neat, tasty, and delicious. But to properly ap- 
preciate the saloon, and the thousand delicacies that are to 
be seen and had, we must visit the tables and try the epi- 
curean preparations. 

The Ithaca Tannery is situated at the bead of Green and 
TiogH Streets, and is one of the oldest manufacturing es- 
tablishments in the place. The ground which it occupies 
was purchased of Gen. DeWitt, by the father of the pres- 
ent owner, about the year 1824, and was at that time a 
very unsightly and undesirable lot, being cut nearly in two 
by gullies, overgrown with elders, and frequently covered 
with water. 

The tann3ry, as originally constructed, consisted of thir- 
ty vats, and the bark was ground by horse-power. It was 
enlarged in 1832, and a steam engine substituted as a mo- 
tive power. Subsequently it has been still further enlarged, 
and the old engine replaced by one more modern and pow- 
erful. It now consists of over one hundred vats, with cor- 
responding hatches, &,c. &c. We should judge that the 
facilitujs were amply competent to warrant the manufac- 
ture of enough leather to supply the entire county. 

In conversation with Mr. Esty, we learned a curious 
feature connected with the manufacture of leather, boots 
and shoes. He informed us that he bought the mnjority 
of his stock of hides, &c., in Chigago, Boston, and New 



44 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

York, and brought them here where they are converted 
into leather, and nearly one-half of the product returned by 
him to New York ajid Boston, to be manufactured into 
hoots and shoes, and then again, perhaps, sent back here 
to supply the wants of this county. 

That there is something wrong in this we cannot doubt, 
for Ithaca is as capable of supporting a manufacturing pop- 
ulation as any village in the United States, and the fact is 
worthy the attention of our boot and shoe dealers, as we 
learn that the annual sale of work brought from abroad, 
amounts to about 675,000. >ij« 

Edward S. Esly, the present owner of the tannery, has, 
a store at 56 Owego Street, for the sale of leather, findings, 
oils, &c., and in fact every thing used in the making of 
boots, shoes, and leather, where persons wishing any thing 
in his line may be sure to find a good stock, and at as low 
prices as the market will bear, for his facilities for buying 
and selling cheap are second to none ; and his method of 
doing business, and endeavoring to make it to the interest 
of his customers to purchase of him, has already secured 
an extensive trade, and has warranted his making a still 
further enlargement of his works. 

His business connection with dealers east also enables 
him to purchase leather, &c., at prices fully equal to those 
realized by parties who are less acquainted with the mar-, 
kets ; and he is always ready to pay cash for all that is of- 
fered. :> 
Mr. Mahlon Rovve, has recently located at 125 Owtego 
Street, where he will keep constantly on hand, and will 
make to order, all kinds of light and heavy carriages, riciade 
by experienced workmen, and of choice timber and mate- 
rial Spokes, hubs, fellys, etc, are of the best eastern tim- 
ber. Trimmings of the latest style, and with other facili- 
ties, renders him prepared to do work in a style not easily 
surpassed. Mr. Rowe is a young man of energy and 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 



4» 



promptness, and his work will sufficiently recommend him 
to a generous public. We have recently examined some 
of his carriages, and can confidently speak of them in the 
most approving terms. Some are really elegant. 

It is not only convenient, but a decided advantage to a 
growing, prosperous village like Ithaca, to be accommoda- 
ted with good livery establishments, and we know of no 
place that is better supplied. Messrs. Babcock, Covvles, 
&, Go. have three livery offices, one on Tioga Street, and 
two on Owego. Their facilities to please are very exten- 
sive, having fine and elegant carriages, splendid horses and 
superb equipage, all of which are let on fair terms. Al- 
ways accommodating when not inconsistent with justice 
or propriety, they find an increase of business annually 
growing upon them ; and such is but a natural consequence 
originating from their heavy outlays and determined will 
to please all who favor them with their patronage. May 
their future success be commensurate with their laudable 
eflforts. 

Mr. John Sliman, proprietor of the Ithaca Bakery,' 1^^ 
furnishing sweet, wholesome bread, biscuit, crackers, and 
all kinds of cakes, in the most ample and tasty order. Hi?? 
Bakery is fast acquiring a just reputation and an extensive 
run of custom. By close attention to the wants of the com- 
munity, he will, of a natural consequence, continue to ren- 
der the most perfect satisfaction. Being satisfied widi 
moderate prices, the proprietor will furnish, as usual, for 
wedding parties, every variety of cake and other et cetccras, 
in the most neat and delicious order. As he sells cheap, 
and only the best articles, he will get the most valuable 
custom. 

Messrs. Barnard & Wood, Storage and Forwarding 
Merchants, and dealers in grain, flour, salt, lumber, shin- 
gles, Blossburg coal; water lime, &c. &c. These gentle- 
men pay cash, and the highest market price, for every thing 



46 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

in ihelr line of business. Prompt and attentive, active and 
energetic, tliey do business in the most appropriate and 
correct manner. They have recently leased for a term of 
years the mammoth storage and forwarding house of Hon. 
H. W. Sage, now in prog-ress of completion. This, to- 
gether with their former facilities for storage, <S«lc., gives 
them an advantage over all former years. 

They have also a lease of the steam Saw Mill, and are 
prepared to saw lumber of any required length, and in the 
most expeditious manner. Having one of \\'oo(l worth's 
powerful Planing Machines, they can furnish planed lum- 
ber of any thickness, width, or length, and to any amount, 
on the most reasonable terms, and with a promptness, that 
will be duly appreciated by those who have large orders to 
fill. On examining various specimens of their planed lum- 
ber, we were astonished at the correctness and smoothness 
of the surface produced, and at the expense of producing so 
perfect an article. What a vast amount of hard labor is 
thus saved. What a decided improvement coni pared 
with that of shoving jack, joiner, and smoothing planes ! 
What a triumph of genius and art. That lumber thus pre- 
pared for the joiner, must soon come into very general 
use, we cannot doubt. 

Of the meat market of Messrs. Stephens, on Owego 
Street, we have but a few words to offer. Their arrange- 
ment and general order of business is at once just 
and practicable- Every thing is in perfect keeping with 
neatness and good taste. In these economical times it is a 
considerationjtosaveeven'a few dollars on one's purchases, 
and particularly so when equally good articles are obtained. 
They have not only the reputation of selling the very best 
meat, but they are worthy of the merit. They give their 
whole attention to buying and selling, and from the long 
experience they have had in the various branches of their 
business they are peculiarly fitted for their post of labor. — 



ITHACA AS IT IS. ^y_ 

Possessing liberal views, ibey are always willing to pay 
liberal prices for stock. This is a correct view •, and be who 
is prompted by such a sentiment usually prospers. No 
tradesman who is in the habit of deceiving his customers as 
to quality or quantity can ever flourish. Knavery and cu- 
pidity will ruin the fairest reputation. But he who pur- 
chases and sellstruth on equal terms will be much mure like- 
ly to establish for himself a permanent and extensive business. 

" "We eannot tell yon all they sell. 
But go yoii''*pIt :^'id try, 
For we've a miini tis tliere you'll SnJ 
The choicest biis to buy. 

The Ithaca Academy at the present time is in a very 
flourishing and prosperous condition. The number of pu- 
pils registered the last winter term exceeded 200. The 
value of apparatus is more than $1,000. The JNu. of vol- 
umes in the Library, 444. Six teachers daring the winter 
term — five during the summer. 

Tuition in higher English branches and classical studies 
per term, $ G,00 

do. common English branches, 4,00 

do. Primary department, 3,00 

Music, (extra,) 10,00 

Drawing, 4,00 

The closing exercises of the summer term on the first day 
of July were highly creditable to the institution, to the teach- 
ers, and to the young ladies and gentlemen of the school. 
Many of the essays and orations evinced talent and ability 
of a high order. The students of the institution, through 
one of their number, (who made a touching address to the 
principal,) presented him with a splendid copy of the Bible. 
The response of Mr. Carr to the students, for such a flat- 
tering testimonial of their esteem and confidence, furnished 
a strong evidence of his devotion to the interests of those 
under his charge, and of his fitness for his station. 
From the Academy Register, it is evident that while the 



48 ITHACA AS IT IS- 

home patronage remains full, that from surrounding- towns 
is steadily increasing, furnisliing the most ample assurance 
that the Ithaca Academy, under its efficient and faithful 
Principal, may soon rank among- the best educational in- 
stitutions of the state. Jndeed, we believe that with the 
experienced and highly competent teachers, extensive ap- 
paratus and library, that better facilities for acquiring a 
sound, practical and liberal education, are not offered in 
any other Academical institution in this part of our coun- 
try, if in the state. 

The Academy buildings are large, pleasant, and commo- 
dious, having separate entrances for male and feniale pu- 
pils. 

The average age of all the pupils in the Academy, was 
nearly sixteen years, according to the last annual report. 

The citizens of Ithaca may well be proud of their Acad- 
emy. Long ma}'^ it stand a monument of their intelligence 
and refuiement. 

The moral and intellectual training in this institution is 
of vast importance. The yotmg are soon to take the places 
of their parents, and assume the control of government. 
It is an imperishable truth, emblazoned upon every page 
of modern history, that free institutions cannot long sur- 
vive, if their supporters are swayed by vicious and corrupt 
principles. In support of this hypothesis we have only lo 
point to the age when Greece stood unexampled air.ong 
the nations, a proud structure of luiman skill and wisdom, 
a learned, independent, and solitary Republic To the era 
when Rome, having, in the majesty of her might, driven 
the car of victory over every then known nation, sat down 
in peace, the acknowledged mistress of arts and of arms, 
the world's wise, war-Hke, and also lone Republic. To the 
Republics of Switzerland, Holland, France, and others, of 
which history informs us, that they rose, flourished and fell. 
Virtue and intelligence were not among the mass of the 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 49 

people. Power and tyranic display too often occupied the 
attention and controlled the will of government officers. 
Licentiousness and vice gradually became diffused among 
the mass of the people — a power more to be feared than 
marching armies or crowned heads. 

The young should be better educated — educated in eve- 
ry sense of the word. They should be better informed 
with regard to their own organization, of the structure and 
temperature of the earth — of the growth and germination of 
plants — of matter and the elements — of life and motion. 
Too many grow up and pass through life without having 
any definite end in view. We recollect of seeing on the 
premises of the renowned Santa Anna, South America, 
some beautiful little birds called the " Ido." Their plu- 
mage is scarcely rivalled by any other bird. From sunrise 
to sunset they do nothing but sing their dull monotonous 
song, " Ido, ido, ido." They make no nest, but deposit 
their eggs in the hot sand, where they hatch, and the young 
grow up without the regard or attention of the parent bird, 
and as soon as they are able to fly, they begin to drawl 
forth the song of " Ido, ido." How many young ladies 
and gentlemen in our country sing the same song, "Ido, 
ido," but accomplish notiiing of importance to themselves 
or country. 

With regard to the legal ability of the " Ithaca Bar," we 
feel at a loss for words of our own expressive of our views, 
and therefore adopt a sentiment recently advanced by an 
eminent jurist — a sentiment most appropriately uttered, 
and so strikingly characteristic of truth, that we with pleas- 
ure record it : 

" That the Ithaca Bar, in point of legal talent, is not sur- 
passed by any other in this judicial district." 

The following are the firms : Messrs. Bruyn &- Will- 
iams, Caleb B.Drake, C. G. Day,Dowe & Wright, Doug- 
las Boardman, Ferris & Gushing, J. M. Ackley, Love & 



50 itha; a as it is. 

Rowe, Stephen Mack, S. Crittenden, Jr., Wells & Marsh, 
W. U. Humphrey, V\ allbridge & Finch, William Linn, 
W. E. McCormick. 

The following Physicians constitnte the Medical Fa,cul- 
ty of Jthaca: C. Coryell, A. Whaley, H. K. Webster, 
John Stephens, J. E. Havvley, J. O. M. Ingersoll, J. A. 
Hovey, G. V\'. Saxion, E. J. Morgan, J. L. Wager, S. L. 
Sibley. 

A physician, in our opinion, should be a close thinker, 
a strong reasoner, of cool and dispassionate judgment, 
should proceed with great care and caution, and if possible, 
never over act, especially with desperate remedies, such as 
calomel and the lancet. He should understand most tho- 
roughly the pathology of disease, and how to apply the 
proper antidote. He should adopt the eclectic system of 
practice, like the bee extracting the sweets from every 
flower, and should aim to heal the ills, pains and sufferings 
of mankind by that mode of practice, which reason and 
common sense point out as being best calculated to affect 
it, whether it be Allopath, Hydropath, Homoeopath, or 
Botanic. 

But as we are not addressig a grave body of M. D.'s, 
and may not be thanked for our opinion, we "drop the 
curtain." 

The first seven belong to the Allopathic school, the eighth 
to the Botanic^ and the three last to the HomcRopathic. 

Dr. Webster, with an attentive and successful practice 
of twenty-eight years, has won an honorable and enviable 
reputation. He ranks among the most skillful. He is al- 
ways cool and collected, never hasty, and never flatters 
without a reasonable hope. His opinion is always to be 
relied on as being real, for he despises that species of du- 
plicity which is often exhibited to the patient through the 
treachery of the deceitful physician. He has a lucrative 
and extensive practice. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 61 

Dr. Hawley has long been a resident of Ithaca, and his 
skill as a wise and judicious surgeon is well known, hav- 
ing, during his residence, performed some of tlie most in- 
tricate and important operations in surgery, exhibiting a 
knowledge of. the science which older practitioners might 
envy, while his careful management of the sick has secured 
him a name and reputation of that distinguished character 
which the younger members of the profession might well 
wish to secure. Possessed of an active, well balanced 
mind, a thorough knowledge of disease in all its various 
types and phases, of medicines, their virtue, power, and 
practical use, he is ever prepared to act wisely, cautiously, 
and beneficially, having a fixed purpose in view — the res- 
toration of the sick. 

Dr. Coryell is one of that class of thorough-going, ener- 
getic physicians, who, when aided by extensive scientific 
acquirements, a knowledge of medicine, of disease, and in 
short, of anatomy and physiology, is peculiarly fitted for any 
emergency. In cases where perplexity and doubt usually 
cause the common mind to waver, Dr. C.is firm, collected, 
and prompt to act as the urgency of the case may require. 
He is never at a loss, never bewildered, and never unmind- 
ful of a proper estimate of human life, or neglectful in at- 
tention to patients. We admire his activity of mind, ener- 
gy of character, and determined will in any and every ef- 
fort of his undertaking. He is the man for an emergency, 
for he never says " 1 can't," but adopts the more appropri- 
ate motto, " ril try." 

Dr. Saxton belongs to the Botanic class of practitioners. 
He possesses a wonderful power in controlling and curing 
dyspepsia, a disease alarmingly universal in this country, 
and baflfling to medical skill — the disorganizer of the hu- 
man system, and one of the most prominent causes of con- 
sumption. And we cheerfully recommend all thus afflicted 



52 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

to give him a call at his office, No 21 Ovvego Street. Dr. 
S. does not, however, confine himself entirely to botanic 
remedies, but adopts to some extent the Hydropathic mode 
of treatment. 

Dr. Morgan has but recently renounced the old school 
system, and yet he is acquiring a somewhat extensive 
practice in the Homoeopathic art of curing disease ; and 
we are told that his success is very flattering. Dr. Morgan 
has the life, the will, and the energy to do, and we wish 
him a world of success in his new faith, new effort, and 
firm resolve. 

" Clinton Hall" demands more than a passing notice. 
It is a magnificent room, 48 by G6 feet, finished with a 
dome of 16 feet diameter in the centre. Will seat 500 per- 
sons. The drop scenery presents a fine representation of 
the storming of Montere3^ There m^y be seen the two 
armies struggling for the mastery, the cannons belching 
grape and ball, while the opposing forces are being cut 
down by the deadly fire that rages with all the horror of an 
exterminating war. 

In the centre stands DeWitt Clinton, wrapped in the 
American Flag. To the right stands the goddess of the 
chase, holding the bow and arrow, with her noble pointer at 
her feet. To the left is represented the goddess of song, 
mild, commanding, and devotional. In the rear stands out 
in bold relief, the statue of Washington, surmounted by the 
American eagle, and on either side float the loose folds of 
the American flag. Encircling the splendid dome is a 
beautiful wreath, and the four elements — earth, air, fire 
and water — each likened to a smiling winged cherub, or 
celestial spirit. 

In short, the Hall is substantially and durably construc- 
ted, and in admirable style, both of design and finish, and 
does honor to the taste and enterprise of the proprietors,- 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 53 

Messrs. Sackett, Clark & Collins, and also (o the architec- 
tural and mechanical skill of the buiidiers. it is one of the 
best Halls in western New York. 

The Ithaca Journal was established in 1818, by Ebene- 
zer Mack, and conducted by him with much ability until 
1833, when it passed into the hands of Nathan Randall. — 
It afterwards was successively owned by Messrs. Mattison 
& Barnaby, A. E. Barnaby, Wells & Selkre<T, and finally 
by the latter gentleman, who still continues its publication. 

The Ithaca Chronicle was merged out of the Republican 
Chronicle in 1830, and continued under the auspices of D. 
D. &lA. Spencer up to 181.5, when Mr. Spence Spencer be- 
came associated with the former firm in its publication. 
It is at present published by Mr. Anson Spencer & Co. 
Mr. A. Spencer is a practical printer, a working man, and 
a gentleman. He is not as vigorous and argumentative a 
writer as his brother D. D., yet he can flourish the quill in 
an off-hand shot quite respectable. Few men in western 
New York, have had more experience in political writing, 
than D. D. Spencer, and it is but justice to him to say that 
he has made himself a powerful and brilliant writer. Dis- 
ease, is, however, making powerful ravages of the intellec- 
tual man. May he, when his last days shall have been 
numbered, go down to his final resting place in the quiet- 
ness of that repose which knows no disturbing. 

Mr. Selkreg is a much younger hand at quill driving, and 
3^et he has proven himself competent to the task. 

The Cayuga and Susquehanna Rail Road — the connect- 
ing link of communication between the waters of Cayuga 
Lake, and the New York and Erie Rail Road — is thirty- 
five miles long. 

Cost of road and equipment, including coal lands in 
Pennsylvania, $1,070,780,26. Average rate of speed per 
Express per hour, thirty miles. Rate of fare 2| cents per 
mile. 



54 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

In these days of car smashing and rail road disasters, it 
is pleasant to record the fact, that no " accident of any 
consequence has ever happened on this road." W. R, 
Kumphrey, Esq., the intelligent, active, and energetic Su- 
perintendent, contributes much to the advancement, " pros- 
perity and safety of the road," as well as to the security of 
the hves and limbs of passagers. The company, undoubt- 
edly, appreciate his worth. With the energy and indomit- 
able will of Mr. H., what may not one man accomplish ? 

The Ithaca and Newfield Plank Road is doing a reason- 
able amount of business. 

Length of road eight miles. 

Original cost, $15,242,33 

Tolls for 1852, 1,695,20 

The Telegtaph business at the Ithaca office, to and from 
Ithaca, amounts to about 81000. Expense of a message 
of ten words, from Ithaca to New York, fifty cents. From 
Ithaca to Owego, twenty-five cents. To other points in 
proportion to the distance. The address, direction, and 
signature are not counted. Additional words over ten, are 
charged for at a less ratio. 

Ithaca has held a conspicuous position, from i(s being the 
residence of Mr. E. Cornell, who has made most of the 
improvements to the Morse Telegraph, which has rendered 
it so deservin_dy popular, and eminently successful. 

Mr. Cornell has, also, either as contractor or proprietor, 
built about 6000 miles of telegraph line in the United States 
and Canada, and is now interested as proprietor in about 
5000 miles, extending from New York westward, to Chi- 
cago, Milvv'aukie, (lalena, and St. Louis. 

Ithaca is noted as being the former re^idence of more 
telegraphers than any other place of its size in the Union. 
Not less than one hundred persons having employment in 
this new branch of industry, hailed from Ithaca. 

Daily stages leave Ithaca every morning for Jefferson^ 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 55 

Geneva, Auburn ami Corlland ; and every other day for 
Havana, by way of Newfield village. 

TJie steamer William E. Dodge, plies daily between Ith- 
aca and Cayuga Bridge. Capt. Buckbee, justly celebra- 
ted, for discretion of character and an accommodating dis- 
position, continues to win golden honors from the thousands 
who ride with him over the waters of the far-famed Cay- 
uga. 

Among the improvements of [thaca, now in progress of 
completion, we have only space to mention a Gas Compa- 
ny, with a capital of 875,000, now busily engaged in laying 
four miles of pipes, or mains, to supply the village with gas. 
A new Lancasterian School House, to be erected by 
Mr. H. H. Moore, at an expense of $6G0i). 

A very large Storehouse, by Hon. H. W. Sage. Mr. S. 
is making arrangements to erect another on the opposite 
side of the Inlet. 

Messrs. Taber & Co. are also erecting a Storage and 
Forwarding House, near the Steam Saw Mill. 

The Forest City Silk Company, under the firm of Hib- 
bard «fc St. John, have erected a new factory, and are 
about manufacturing Sewing Silk, in all its varieties ; and 
from their extensive facilities we see no reason why they 
cannot produce an article, equal in value and beauty, to 
the best of imported Italian. The building is located on 
Seneca Street, and is 85 by 36 feet — an ornament to the 
town. The machinery is driven by a beautiful doric mod- 
el engine of twelve horse power, made under the superin- 
tendence of Mr. E. L. Robbins. The Company employ 
from forty to fifty operatives. The water for the estab- 
lishment is supplied by an Artesian^ well, upwards of 80 
feet deep, the water rising to the surface of the ground, 

* Artesian is derived from Artois,a. beauuful town in France. Here wd first 
paw an Artcx'nm well. It was made by boring into the oartli. "When the au- 
^'er had reached the water at a depth oi' P9e feet, " the internal pressure caused 
it to flow fortli like a foimtain."' 



56 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

soft, clear, and cold. This is a new enterprize, and if these 
gentlemen cannot make it successful and profitable to 
themselves and countr}', none others need make the effort. 
They have the energy and ability, the go-a-head principle, 
and the " rocks," which go far to make success almost in- 
evitable. An enterprise of the kind has long been needed, 
and we regard it as being of great importance to this sec- 
tion of country, and we hope that the genius and tact of the 
company will succeed to the fullest extent in the manufac- 
ture of this valuable product. 

Mr. N. J. Kellogg is adding to the many fine private res- 
idences on South Hill, a very large stone house. 

The brick Store House of Mr. L. H. Culver, is progress- 
ing rapidly. It extends from his present store on Ovvego 
Street to Tioga Street, forming a complete block L. The 
whole, when completed, will be one of the finest and most 
extensive structures in this part of the state. Jndeed, it 
will be one of the mammoth stores, being 206 by 33 and 
36 feet. His is the right kind of " spirit rapping." 

JMessrs. Moores, Hacket, &. Co., have erected, and have 
now in a state of completion, a large building for a Rail 
Road Freight Car manufactory. These gentlemen have 
leased, for a term of years, the extensive Iron Foundry and 
Machine Shop of Mr. V. Conrad, and are now fully pre- 
pared to execute all orders in their line with promptness, 
and on favorable terms. They have unusual facilities for 
manufacturing steam engines and boilers, of any desirable 
size, or reciuired power. Gearing for grist or saw mills, 
cotton and woolen factories, besides all other machinery 
usually cast in an iron foundry. They will also " contract 
with railroad companies for freight cars ready for use, on 
as favorable terms as at any other establishment at the east, 
or elsewhere. Being themselves practical mechanics, and 
having much experience in their business, they have no 
hesitation in saying that they will supply freight cars, car 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 57 

wheels, and all kinds of railroad castings, fully equal in 
strength and durability to the best manufactured. Partic- 
ular attention will be given to this branch of the business." 

They also intend to keep on hand a full assortment of 
the various articles commonly found at a furnace — espe- 
ciall}' such as plows, scrapers, sleigh-shoes, saw-mill cranks, 
&c. &c. They are gentlemen of energy and enterprise, 
and must succeed. 

The splendid store in Stannard block, purchased last 
spring by Horace Mack, Esq.,* and recently sold to Nor- 
man Crittenden, is about completed. This block is rather 
commanding in appearance, although it does not tower on 
high sufiEiciently to overlook the splendid " DeWitt Build- 
ings," as Saul did the " common run" of the chosen peo- 
ple. 

The Presbyterian Congregation are about erecting a 
splendid new Church where the present one now towers 
aloft. The aggregate expense to be about $15,000. 

A lf\rgo Factory is soon to be erected at Fall Creek, by 
Judge Walbridge. We are informed that it will give em- 
ployment to about 300 operatives. 

The village trustees are deserving of much praise, for 



* About the year 1822 an almost fatal encounter took place between Mr. Hor- 
ace Mack, at present an esteemed resident of Ithaca, and a German Fencini^ 
Master. Mr. Mack had expressed some doubts regarding the qualifications of 
tiiis gentleman, ■who resented it very highly, and the final result was a challenge 
by the German to fight a duel. The challenged of course having the choice 
of weapons, selected pistols. The day .and hour were cliosen, and the phice for 
the afl'air of honor appointed on the banks of the Six Mile Creek, directly op- 
j)osite the reservoir of water called the " Hemp Hole" which was about ten feet 
deep. At the appointed time and place for the deadly combat to '' come off," 
hundreds of people, of all sexes and ages, Avere found awaiting on tlie banks, 
where they soon expected to see the green turf drink tlie blood of the van- 
quished. The good sense of Mr. Mack and the seconds, proveil most valuable. 
The arrangements and order were perfect. The combattants approached each 
other, as is usual to shake hands, when Mr. Mack, taking a rather strong hold 
of the man of the sword, and with a peculiar look, and a more peculiar tri]> 
and jerk, sent the offended German "head long" into the " Hemp Hole," where 
he was received " without a dissenting voice." I'ho roars of laughter whiclv 
followed this manreuvre, were loud and hearty, and we doubt not -aw, still heard 
by tlie man who failing in subduing his rival foe, took a hasty and precipitate 
retreat froua the county. 



58 ITHACA AS IT IS- 

causing the removal of those weather-beaten, ill-construct- 
ed sheds, so long a disgrace to Owego street. It has im- 
proved the appearance of tiie village more than any twen- 
ty ordinances ever before passed. And those beautiful 
show windows! What a decided improvement ! To how 
much better advantage can merchants exhibit their goods ? 
What an opportunity for a display of the beautiful and fan- 
ciful ! And in place of those antideluvian fronts, we now 
see some specimens of architectural beauty, displaying 
much of taste and neatness. 

But among all the varied improvements, we see noth- 
ing which surpasses the beauty and elegance of finish re- 
cently added to the Hat &, Cap Store of J. S. Tichenor 
& Son. The sales room is 62 feet deep with large mirrors 
on eiiher side. The whole front is composed of twelve 
superb lights of glass set in lightly, yet durably construct- 
ed frame work, giving to the store an appearance altogether 
attractive. Then those elegant and expensive marble topped 
counters, lend an additional attraction to the many fine 
decorations so much to be admired by all who have an eye 
for the substantial and beautiful. When fully completed, 
we think there will not be a more attractive store this side 
of the Empire City. 

The Masonic Lodge, Fidelity, No. 51, has about 100 
members. 

Eagle Chapter, No. 58, has some 30 members. 

The Iroquois Encampment has a large membership. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has over '200 
members. A widow and orphan fund of near $"2000, for 
aiding widows and orphans of deceased brothers. 

The Independent Order of Good Templars has two 
Lodges, Forest City and Bristol, with a large and increas- 
ing membership. 

The Sons of Temperance have a Division in good work- 
in": order. 



ITHACA AS IT IS. 59 

The Carson League has a capital exceeding $1,000,000. 

The principles and virtues reposing in the constituent ba- 
sis of these Orders, are temperance, benevolence, mutual 
aid, love, purity, and fidelity. A bright and glorious gal- 
axy of briiiiants. 

" Mount Ionia Cemetery," so called from the cluster of 
seven Islands in the Mediterranean, from one of which the 
name of Ithaca w^as taken, is tastefully laid cut, and beauti- 
fully ornamented with shrubs and flowers. That portion de- 
signed for the repose of Odd Fellows, particularly drew 
our attention. The monument commemorative of the vir- 
tues of the departed, will be an ornament to the grounds, 
and alike creditable to the liberal sentiments of the Order 
and the object of its erection. The expense of this monu- 
mental marble will be 8385. 

We read numerous inscrij)tions on the silent marble 
which bespoke the worth of the departed dead ! Pausing 
by the tombs of two sweet little sisters, Frances Spence- 
NA and Ella, now sleeping " the sleep that knows no 
waking," we felt peculiarly impressed on repeating the 
sentiments engraven by the sculptor's hand. On \he for- 
mer we read the affecting words, 

" Must we part so soon." 

On the latter the appropriate sentiment, 

" A Morning Star quenched in the buightness of its early rising." 

How very touching, tender, and truthful. Was ever a 
more feeling and beautiful expression written, either in 
commemorating the virtues of the living or the dead ? 
Panegyrists are rivalled in truthful imagery, and poetical 
genius can find nothing of superior excellence. 

Among the wealthiest men of Ithaca, and those who may 
be termed self-made men, we would mention Daniel Bales, 
J. B. Williams, H. W. Sage, Robert Halsey, C. L. Grant, 
G. D. Beers, William Andrus, VV. G. Grant, William 



60 ITHACA AS IT IS. 

Halsey, Joseph Burritt, Joseph Esiy, L. H. Culver, J. S. 
Ticheiior, S. B. Bates, S. and J. Giles. 

The following- g-entlemen are the owners and occupants 
of very splendid private houses, and finely ornamented 
grounds : R. Halsey, H. S. VValbridge, J. B. Williams, 
H. W. Sage, T. J. Phillips, C. L. Grant. VV. Andrus, E. 
G. Pelton, W. G. Grant, VV. Halsey, G. P. Frost, G. VV. 
Schuyler, S. &, J. Giles. To these may be added the splen- 
did mansion of Mrs. Ebenezer Mack. 

And it is worthy of remark, that none of these gentle- 
men have ever failed in business, and are therefore enjoy- 
ing the well earned fruits of their own industry. 

The dwelling of Mr. Pelton is one of the finest and most 
commanding in Ithaca. Gazing out from its pleasant, yet 
ample front, the observer may feast his eyes with the sur- 
rounding beauties, looking far over the bustling village, tow- 
ering steeple or pillared dome, on, on, far over the glassy 
wavelets, or the white crested foam of Cayuga's spark- 
ling waters. 

The village contains a population of about 7000, yet only 
sixty-seven deaths occurred during the past year, "less than 
l4¥sW^-one per cent to the hundred." Where shall we 
find a more healthy village ? Where one surrounded by 
a richer and more productive agricultural country ? We 
dream of distant edens — of arcadian homes. We think 
of the mellow sunshine — the genial breeze, and the sweet 
scented flowers of the sunny South. We have visited some 
of the finest climates in the world, and whether treading 
the soil of a people bowing beneath the tyrant sceptre of a 
Royal Queen, despotic Emperor, or blood-seeking, heart- 
less Captain General, we have invariably sighed for Home 
— Home, for the association of a combination of enjoy- 
ments and comforts, found in no other country. In the 
warmer climates the people are shorter lived — have long 
drizzlin/i: rains and everlastinfr mud — we the creaking snow 



THE FUTURE. 61 

and bracing cold. True, ours is more changeable, yet per- 
haps as favorable to a full enjoyment of life in all its vigor, 
as congenial to health, as any other part of the world. 

We have made in presence of gentlemen most compe- 
tent to judge, various estimates with reference to the 
amount of trade originating from the different branches of 
busin3ss in Ithaca during the past year, and assuming the 
lowest estimate to be the nearest correct, we find that the 
aggregate amount exceeds $7,000,000; wliich if spread 
out in one continuous line of onojjdollar bills, each avera- 
ging eight inches in length, would extend about 884 miles. 



THE FUTURE. 

The true history of a nation does not consist in the mere 
narration of its more prominent civil, or military deeds. — 
The legitimate province of the historian has a much wider 
range. All those facts and circumstances which exhibit 
the successive changes wrought from time to time in in- 
dustrial and commercial resources — in the habits and cus- 
toms of society — in the spirit of legislation, and in all those 
features and characteristics, whether of a public or private 
nature, which at the same time establish and distinguish 
national character, constitute the best material for the phi- 
losophy of History. It is thus that we find in the materi- 
als so industriously gathered up by our various Historical 
societies — materials running through every phase and con- 
dition of society, and extending to the most minute circum- 
stances of private, as well as of public life — the acknowl- 
edged source of true History. We may be pardoned there- 
fore the reflection, that the humblest citizen who groups 
together the various materials we have just adverted to, 
and thus exhibits the different stages in the development 
of society which have brought the humblest locality from 
the forest to the cultivated field, or the flourishing village, 
does a good work — humble and unpretending it may be, 



G*2 THE FUTURE. 

but affording a positive addition to the means of a true na- 
tional history. Any immediate interest in such an effort, 
will necessarily be confined (so far as the mass of readers 
are concerned) to the citizens of the particular locality. — 
For their especial interest we have undertaken the labor, 
and our whole purpose will be answered, if we shall have, 
in any degree, made more definite and certain the history 
of their firesides. 

Our hasty compilation comprises but little more in its 
purpose, than such particulars as belong to the history of 
Ithaca alone. We shall, however, embrace the earliest 
opportunity, that leisure will permit, to extend our labors 
in this respect to the entire section of country that sur- 
rounds it, embracing most, if not all, of the state. 

The names given to the townships npon what is known 
as the " Military Tract," smacking, as they apparently do, 
of some little pedantry, and frequently fhnging together in 
a position somewhat ludicrus, the most venerated names 
of antiquity, do not exhibit, perhaps, the most fortunate 
choice in that respect. We should have much preferred, 
that names, for the purposeof designating such townships, 
had been borrowed exclusively from those sources which 
would characterize the ancestry of our people, or that we 
had repaid the red man, in some little degree, for the pos- 
session of his hunting grounds and corn fields, by preserv- 
ing the expressive titles by which he knew hill and valley, 
lake and stream. But while our regrets are much too late, 
we can in part pardon the taste which gave the name of 
Ulysses to oneof our most flourishing agricultural districts, 
in the past, that it undoubtedly suggested the name of Ith- 
aca, as the title of the beautiful village which lies at the 
head of Cayuga Lake. The name is, in itself, euphoni- 
ous, and we may add in good taste, for though there is 
no island in the case, the position of the village is in 
many respects in agreement with the associations which 



THE FUTURE. 63 

attach to the name- And it is not unfitting, that the home 
of the chaste and faithful Penelope, and the chivalrous 
Ul^^sses, should have a remembrance in the New World. 

The future of the flourishing village of Ithaca, need not 
call in the aid of a prophetic vision to enable it to be fully 
seen, though its citizens do not seem disposed to imitate the 
somewhat laudatory style in whicli their neighbors in differ- 
ent localities on this point indulge. It will be readily granted 
that its position is such, as to naturally combine all those 
elements which conduce to the establishment of a com- 
manding business centre. Surrounded by an agricultural 
district of great fertility, possessing an almost unlimited 
amount of water power, having already every facility for 
the most direct commercial intercourse, and connected, as 
it will be, with many of the most important of the new av- 
enues of trade that are about to be opened, it must neces- 
sarily always command a large and constantly increasing 
traffick. The beauty of its location is unrivalled. Shield- 
ed by its position from the rougher embraces of the harsh 
climate of this latitude, every variety of fruit and flower 
known to the temperate zone, is lavished upon its inhabi- 
tants in the most generous profusion. The broad plain, 
and amphitheatre of hills, upon which the village is situa- 
ted, present a landscape in which the busy commercial 
mart, Cayuga Lake, numerous and most picturesque wa- 
ter-falls, and all the most lavish gifts of nature and art, are 
Wended in one picture of unsurpassed magnificence, which 
always attracts the most unquahfied admiration. 

To the man of business, or the man of leisure, the lover 
of " the haunts of men," or the lover of nature and her 
" various language," Ithaca presents unwonted attractions. 

With less wealth than many other places of its size, Iih- 
aca does more business. She is destined to go ahead in 
all her various and valuable improvements. A few years 
hence we expect to hear Ithaca honored with the expres- 



64 THE FUTURE. 

slve title of " Queen City of tlie Valley." All that can 
awaken and inspire industry, or encourage enterprize, is 
here ready to aid the progressive march of improvement, 
create wealth, distribute blessings, dignify character, and 
elevate the mind. 



L£ Mr 'Q9 



ITHACA AS IT WAS, 



AND 



ITHACA AS IT IS, 



WITH 



THOUGHTS SUGGESTIVE OF THE FUTURE. 



BY H. C. GOODWIN. 



ITHACA, N. Y.: 

ANDRUB, GAUNTLETT, Jj COMPANY: PRINTERS, 

No. 69 Owego-Street. 

1853. 



